MacRumors

CCP Games today announced that popular MMORPG Eve Online is now available to play on both Intel and M1 Macs thanks to the launch of a new Mac client.

For those unfamiliar with Eve Online, it's a long-running free-to-play online space-focused game that's massive in scale. It has been free for many years now and monetized through in-app purchases. Mac users will be able to play alongside Windows gamers as Eve Online features one big universe.

Prior to now Eve Online was only available to play on Macs through a compatibility layer like Wine, so gameplay will be faster, more efficient, and hassle-free. The game features improved graphics and visual effects on Mac, along with reduced RAM and power usage. There's also full support for Mac keyboards and mice.

A Mac client has been in testing for some time, and CCP says that user feedback on the test server offered vital assistance as it worked to implement Mac compatibility. Those who install the latest launcher version will be able to migrate from the prior Wine client to the Mac client automatically.

Last month, FCC filings revealed that Apple Watch Series 7 models are equipped with a new module that enables 60.5GHz wireless data transfer. This module is not advertised on Apple's website and is likely for Apple's internal use only.

MacRumors has since confirmed with The Verge's Dieter Bohn and others that the Apple Watch Series 7 lacks a hidden diagnostic port that was located in the bottom band slot on all previous Apple Watch models. Apple used the port for diagnostic purposes when servicing an Apple Watch, such as to restore watchOS over a wired connection with a special tool.

The lack of a diagnostic port on Apple Watch Series 7 models likely explains the addition of the 60.5GHz wireless data transfer module. FCC filings indicated that the module is only activated when the Apple Watch is placed on a proprietary magnetic dock with a corresponding 60.5GHz module, so it sounds like Apple might use this dock to perform diagnostics or restore watchOS wirelessly on Series 7 models.

It's also worth noting that Series 7 models feature IP6X-rated dust resistance, so perhaps the diagnostic port's removal helped with that to some degree.

Apple Watch Series 7 models will begin arriving to customers and launch in stores this Friday, October 15. Key features include larger displays with 41mm and 45mm case sizes, enhanced durability with IP6X-rated dust resistance, up to 33% faster charging with an included USB-C fast charging cable, and new aluminum colors.

Today we're tracking a pair of deals on two Apple products: the Apple Pencil 2 and M1 Mac mini from 2020. For the latter product, Amazon is offering a return of all-time low prices for both the 256GB and 512GB storage options.

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

Apple Pencil 2

Amazon has the Apple Pencil 2 for $109.99, down from $129.00. This is the second-best price that we've ever tracked on the accessory, but it's been about two months since we last saw the Apple Pencil down to under $100, so Amazon's deal today is a solid buy for those in the market for the device.

The Apple Pencil 2 is compatible with the following iPads: iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th generation), 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd, 4th, and 5th generations), and 11-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations). The accessory is in stock and ready to ship today, with the usual free two-day shipping for all Prime members.

M1 Mac Mini

Secondly, Apple's 2020 M1 Mac mini is seeing a return of record low prices in both 256GB and 512GB capacities. The 256GB model is priced at $599.99, down from $699.00, and the 512GB model is priced at $749.99, down from $899.00.

Both of these sale prices will not be seen until you add the Mac mini to your cart on Amazon, and an automatic coupon is applied to your order. Both models are shipped and sold by Amazon, and are in stock today.

There is a possibility that Apple may introduce new high-end Mac mini models based on the upcoming M1X chip at next week's "Unleashed" event, but even so, it's unclear whether the lower-end M1 Mac mini models will also receive updates.

Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.

Apple's suppliers have refuted a report suggesting that due to the ongoing chip shortage, Apple has cut production orders for iPhone 13 models by as much as 10 million units for 2021.

Yesterday, Bloomberg reported that due to the chip shortage, Apple had informed suppliers about cutting ‌iPhone‌ 13 production by as much as 10 million units for the remainder of the year. The news caused a drop in Apple's stock, leading some analysts to be concerned about the performance of the ‌iPhone‌ 13 and Apple's ability to keep up with demand. Now, however, the company's suppliers are pushing back.

A preview of a paywalled DigiTimes report set to be published tomorrow states, "component suppliers for Apple's new iPhones have claimed no cutback in orders thus far this year." While the news about a cutback in orders may be incorrect, according to suppliers, there is little doubt regarding production challenges for Apple's products.

The ‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro and ‌‌iPhone‌ 13 Pro‌ Max, for example, continue to list weeks or even as long as a month for delivery dates. The Apple Watch Series 7, going on sale this Friday, is also experiencing delays in shipments, with some high-end models leading into early December. A report last week said that Apple's suppliers are "scrambling" to keep up with production due to new energy regulations in China impacting efficiency.

Apple Watch Series 7 models will begin arriving to customers and launch in stores this Friday, October 15, and ahead of time, reviews have now been shared by media outlets and YouTube channels. In addition to rounding up Apple Watch Series 7 video reviews and unboxings, we've highlighted some impressions from written reviews below.

Key features of the Apple Watch Series 7 include larger displays with 41mm and 45mm case sizes, enhanced durability with IP6X-rated dust resistance, and up to 33 percent faster charging with a USB-C fast charging cable included in the box. There are also new aluminum case color options, such as midnight, starlight, and green.

Here are some impressions of the Apple Watch Series 7's key features:

Larger Displays

The Verge's Dieter Bohn said that while the Series 7's larger display sizes are welcomed, it isn't enough to justify an annual upgrade:

When Apple first made the screen bigger way back on the Apple Watch Series 4, I thought it made an appreciable difference in the experience and would even be worth upgrading for. Here, on the Series 7, I just think the screen is really nice and looks better, but isn't enough to justify an upgrade.

The Verge has a well-produced video review as always:

TechCrunch's Brian Heater agreed the larger Series 7 is not a radical departure compared to the Series 6, which came in 40mm and 44mm sizes:

It's not a radical departure, generation over generation. And certainly something like 12% larger buttons on the calculator aren't enough to sell anyone on an upgrade. The truth is that the nature of wearables generally prohibits designers from making too radical a design change because the product needs to fit on your body. The earliest smartwatches suffered from large designs that prohibited wearability among a wide swath of users.

Faster Charging

Engadget's Cherlynn Low said she appreciated the Series 7's faster charging speeds compared to her Apple Watch SE:

[It] charges faster, and in about 10 minutes, I got close to 10 percent capacity. It reached almost 100 percent in under an hour with the new cable that Apple includes in the box. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch SE only got to about 60 percent in an hour.

New Colors

MobileSyrup's Patrick O'Rourke said the Series 7's new green aluminum case option is a nice throwback to the iPhone 11 Pro in Midnight Green:

Green is the standout new hue. It's understated but still eye-catching and, more importantly, is a throwback to the great-looking 'Midnight Green' iPhone 11 colour from a few years ago.

As we previously reported, however, some customers are unhappy with the new Series 7 color options. In particular, for the aluminum models, some customers are disappointed that Apple replaced Silver and Gold with a champagne-like Starlight color.

Final Takeaways

CNET's Lisa Eadicicco feels the Series 7 is an iterative upgrade over the Series 6:

To put it bluntly, the Series 7 doesn't feel like the type of generational upgrade we've come to expect from Apple's smartwatches in years past. But that's not necessarily a snub against it.

The Series 7 feels more like a refined version of a watch we already love -- the Series 6 -- rather than a major upgrade. And since it's the same price as its predecessor, the Series 7 is a promising option for first-time Apple Watch buyers or those upgrading from an older watch.

The Verge's Dieter Bohn agreed:

If you have one of those older Apple Watches, I don't think there's anything here that should compel an upgrade. All the new features are very nice but not necessary. If there is something that's bothering you about your current watch, then by all means go for it if you can afford it. Also, while the Series 3 is still kicking around for cheap, I don’t think it's a great buy anymore. The Apple Watch SE is a better value.

More Reviews

• The Wall Street Journal's Nicole Nguyen
• Input's Raymond Wong
• CNBC's Todd Haselton
• Yahoo Finance's Daniel Howley
• CNN Underscored's Jacob Krol

Apple's embargo on reviews of the Apple Watch Series 7 has now lifted ahead of the first devices arriving with customers on Friday, giving the first hands-on looks at the company's latest flagship smartwatch. In addition to our detailed review roundup, we have gathered together a number of unboxing videos and reviews of the new device.

The key new features of the Apple Watch Series 7 include a larger display with significantly reduced borders, larger casing sizes with more rounded edges, improved durability, faster charging with a new fast-charging USB-C cable, and the S7 chip. There are also a range of new color options for the aluminum models, including Midnight, Starlight, Green, as well as a tweaked Blue and (PRODUCT)RED.

Scroll down for the first unboxing and review videos from a range of prominent YouTubers who have been first to get their hands on the Apple Watch Series 7.

Videos

For more in-depth impressions, read our Apple Watch Series 7 review roundup.

In response to the European Commission's proposed Digital Markets Act, which could force sideloading of apps on the iPhone in Europe, Apple has shared an in-depth document highlighting the security and privacy risks of sideloading. Sideloading refers to installing apps outside of the App Store, such as from a website or a third-party app store.

Apple's document, titled Building a Trusted Ecosystem for Millions of Apps, states that "mobile malware and the resulting security and privacy threats are increasingly common and predominantly present on platforms that allow sideloading." For example, Apple cited Nokia's 2019 and 2020 Threat Intelligence Reports that found Android devices to have an "estimated 15 to 47 times more infections from malicious software" than iPhones.

Android smartphones are the most common mobile malware targets and have recently had between 15 and 47 times more infections from malicious software than iPhone. A study found that 98 percent of mobile malware targets Android devices. This is closely linked to sideloading: In 2018, for example, Android devices that installed apps outside Google Play, the official Android app store, were eight times more likely to be affected by potentially harmful applications than those that did not.

On the other hand, Apple claimed that malware on iOS is rare and said that many of the attacks on the platform are "narrowly targeted attacks, often carried out by nation-states." Apple added that "experts generally agree that iOS is safer compared to Android, in part because Apple does not support sideloading."

Apple said if it were forced to allow sideloading, users would be subjected to more malicious apps and have less control over apps after they download them onto their devices. Apple added that some proposed sideloading legislation would also mandate removing protections against third-party access to proprietary hardware elements and non-public operating system functions, resulting in security and privacy risks for users.

Apple added that even users who don't wish to sideload and prefer to download apps only from the App Store would be harmed if sideloading were required, as some users may have no choice other than sideloading an app they need for work, school, or other essential reasons. In addition, Apple said criminals may trick users into sideloading apps by mimicking the appearance of the App Store or by advertising free or exclusive features.

Apple touched on many of these arguments in a similar document shared back in June. Apple CEO Tim Cook previously claimed that sideloading apps "would destroy the security of the iPhone" and "a lot of the privacy initiatives that we've built into the App Store."

Apple's document goes on to provide examples of common malware affecting mobile platforms like Android and makes more arguments against sideloading.

Apple has faced increasing scrutiny over its App Store, which remains the only place to install apps on the iPhone and iPad, excluding devices that have been jailbroken. Fortnite creator Epic Games sued Apple last year for anticompetitive conduct, but it was unsuccessful in getting the court to force Apple to allow third-party app stores on iOS.

Apple is developing AirPods with health features, including body temperature and posture monitoring, and the ability to work as a hearing aid, according to The Wall Street Journal.

According to documents seen by The Wall Street Journal, prototypes of AirPods with temperature sensors for monitoring a wearer's core body temperature from inside the ear are being developed. The report noted that these in-ear temperature sensors could work in tandem with a temperature sensor in the Apple Watch Series 8.

The health-focused AirPods reportedly also use motion sensors to monitor a wearer's posture and alert them when they are slouching in an effort to improve posture.

Apple released its "Conversation Boost" feature for AirPods Pro last week, which boosts the volume and clarity of people directly in front of the wearer. It is not clear if the new hearing aid functions being explored by Apple are an extension of Conversation Boost or a wholly different hearing aid-specific feature. AirPods already feature, microphones, an amplifier, and a processor, providing the bedrock for hearing aid functionality.

AirPods may not be suitable as hearing aids for some sufferers of hearing loss since they do not have an all-day battery life, but the report noted that an expansion of FDA regulations for a new class of hearing aids, targeting mild to moderate hearing moss, that is expected next year could pave the way for Apple to explicitly market AirPods as hearing aids.

AirPods have been rumored to feature health-monitoring functions for some time, even with Apple executives hinting at the possibility. While previous reports have only speculated on the health features that could theoretically come to AirPods, The ‌Wall Street Journal‌'s report is the first clarification of the specific features Apple is reportedly exploring.

Individuals said to be familiar with Apple's plans told the The ‌Wall Street Journal‌ that the AirPods with health features are not expected to launch in 2022, and may never be released.

After their lack of appearance at Apple's September event, updated third-generation AirPods can be expected to be unveiled during next week's "Unleashed" Mac-focused event, according to a leaker.

Rumors had initially indicated that the new AirPods would ship alongside the iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7 announcement last month, but the new earphones failed to materialize. AirPods are best equipped with the ‌iPhone‌ and Apple Watch, adding fuel to speculation their release was somewhat imminent.

Now, as Apple has confirmed its likely last event of the year for this coming Monday, October 18, all the indications suggest that new AirPods will also be announced alongside redesigned MacBook Pros. Weibo leaker @PandaIsBald, which accurately reported the launch of the baseline ninth-generation iPad for Apple's last event, has claimed that alongside "M1X" Macs, the third-generation AirPods with an updated design will also be announced.

The third-generation AirPods will be the first significant design change to the AirPods line since the AirPods Pro in 2019. The new AirPods will replace the existing second-generation AirPods in the line and feature an updated redesign that takes inspiration from the higher-end ‌AirPods Pro‌, but without "Pro" features like Active Noise Cancelation.

The refreshed AirPods are expected to take design cues from the ‌AirPods Pro‌ and leaked schematics and images but appear to confirm those design changes. However, what remains unclear is whether the new AirPods will feature silicone ear-tips, like the ‌AirPods Pro‌, or feature the same in-ear design as the first and second-generation AirPods.

Previous reports suggested that Apple's second planned event for the fall would focus on new Macs and iPads. Surprisingly, Apple announced an updated iPad mini and baseline ‌iPad‌ during its September event, leaving the upcoming "Unleashed" event to be wholly focused on the Mac.

The new highly anticipated 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros will feature better performance, a new design, and a mini-LED display that could feature ProMotion, allowing for a 120Hz variable refresh rate. Apple is also likely to announce a date for when macOS Monterey will launch to the public.

Apple has added display manufacturer BOE to its list of main suppliers of OLED panels for iPhone 13 models, according to a new report today from Nikkei Asia.

The Beijing-based display maker began shipping a small number of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays for the 6.1-inch iPhone 13 in late September and is scheduled to increase those shipments soon, pending a final verification process, multiple people familiar with the matter said.

The final qualification will focus on the durability of the screens and will wrap up as early as this month, according to sources who spoke to Nikkei.

"It is in the process of final testing, but based on the results of earlier samples, BOE should have no problem passing the tests," an executive-level source with direct knowledge of the matter told Nikkei Asia. "The foundation of the collaboration between Apple and BOE is based on their previous project on the iPhone 12, and both Apple and BOE want this to happen soon."

Multiple ‌iPhone‌ 12 rumors suggested that BOE would supply some panels for the devices, but BOE ran into major production problems. In 2020, BOE failed to deliver its first shipment of OLED panels to Apple as displays created by BOE failed validation tests.

Initially, China's largest display maker will provide screens only for the more affordable 6.1-inch ‌iPhone‌ 13 model. BOE will initially split orders for the ‌iPhone‌ 13 displays with Samsung. BOE's share is expected to account for up to 20% of the total, but ideally the Chinese company wants to make up to 40% of orders for this model. BOE previously only supplied OLEDs for repaired and refurbished iPhones. It also makes LCD screens for Apple's iPads.

The development adds to pressure on LG Display and particularly Samsung, which has dominated the supply of OLEDs for iPhones since 2017. As the report notes, adding a third manufacturer will give Apple greater bargaining power in talks with the South Korean suppliers.

The OLED displays for the ‌iPhone‌ 13 will be made at BOE's Mian Yang complex in Sichuan Province, where it makes OLED screens for Chinese smartphone makers Huawei, Honor, Xiaomi, and Vivo. BOE has been prioritized by the local government for power supply amid unexpected shortages.

Ongoing chip shortages faced by the tech industry are affecting production of the iPhone 13 models, according to a new report from Bloomberg.

Apple is expected to cut 2021 ‌iPhone‌ 13 production by as many as 10 million units because of the shortages.

In the final three months of the year, Apple was planning to produce 90 million ‌iPhone‌ 13 models, but Apple's manufacturing partners have been informed that the totals will be lower because Broadcom and Texas Instruments are not able to deliver enough components.

Apple's ‌iPhone‌ 13 supplies are already constrained, and further shortages during the holiday period will push delivery times even further going forward.

According to an iFixit teardown, the ‌iPhone‌ 13 models are using a Broadcom AFEM-8215 front-end module and a Broadcom BCM59365 wireless power receiver, along with display power management IC, array driver, flash LED driver, and dual repeater from Texas Instruments.

Apple has been dealing with chip shortages for months now, and devices like the MacBook Pro, ‌iPhone‌ 11, ‌iPhone‌ 12, iMac, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and more have seen longer than normal shipping estimates when purchased from the Apple Store.

Back in September, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple would cut its MacBook shipments in half due to component shortages, which perhaps does not bode well for the upcoming ‌MacBook Pro‌ machines that are set to be introduced on October 18. The MacBook shortage is related to a lack of power management integrated circuits, a problem similar to the one that the ‌iPhone‌ models also now appear to be facing.

The continuing chip shortages are expected to last well into 2022, and while Apple is facing supply issues due to the problem, it has been one of the least affected companies in 2021. Other tech companies are also dealing with component shortages, which have been driving prices higher.

Apple today announced it will be holding a virtual event on Monday, October 18 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, and rumors widely suggest that redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will be unveiled with a faster version of the M1 chip.

After the event was announced, a few readers asked us when to expect orders to begin for the new MacBook Pro models, should they be announced.

While nothing is for certain until Apple says so, almost all new Macs announced at an Apple Event over the last five years were made available to order on the same day of the event. The only exception was the 24-inch iMac earlier this year.

We left the iMac Pro and the latest Mac Pro out of the list because these machines were previewed during WWDC keynotes many months before they were ready to launch.

• 2016: The first MacBook Pro models with the Touch Bar were announced at an Apple Event on Thursday, October 27, 2016 and became available to order on the same day. Shipments began in 2-3 weeks, with customers beginning to receive their orders around Monday, November 14.
• 2017: New MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and iMac models were announced at WWDC on Monday, June 5, 2017. All of the new Macs became available to order on the same day and began arriving to customers on Wednesday, June 7.
• 2018: New MacBook Air and Mac mini models were announced at an Apple Event on Tuesday, October 30, 2018. Both new Macs became available to order on the same day and began arriving to customers on Wednesday, November 7.
• 2020: The first Macs with the M1 chip, including the MacBook Air, lower-end 13-inch MacBook Pro, and lower-end Mac mini, were announced at an Apple Event on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. All of the new Macs became available to order on the same day and began arriving to customers on Tuesday, November 17.
• 2021: The colorful new 24-inch iMac with the M1 chip was announced at an Apple Event on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 and became available to order on Friday, April 30. The new iMac began arriving to customers on Friday, May 21.

New Macs announced with a press release on Apple Newsroom also typically become available to order on the same day of the announcement, including the 16-inch MacBook Pro in 2019 and the latest 27-inch iMac in August 2020.

While the 24-inch iMac broke the trend of same-day ordering for new Macs, likely due to pandemic-related supply chain issues, it remains to be seen if the new MacBook Pro models will follow suit with delayed ordering. At a minimum, customers interested in an M1X MacBook Pro likely won't have to set a Friday morning alarm like for iPhones.

With the MacBook-centric Apple event now set for Monday, October 18, leakers are beginning to share a few new details that we haven't previously heard about the machines.

According to Dylandkt, the base 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models will feature 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage space, which is in line with the current high-end 13 and 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ options.

As he has said previously, the new ‌MacBook Pro‌ models are also expected to feature an upgraded 1080p webcam, and the M1X chip will have the same configuration in both sizes with 10-core CPU.

‌Dylandkt‌ claims Apple will provide a new charging brick, which is not a surprise since the upcoming machines are rumored to feature a new MagSafe charging port, which would necessitate new charging hardware.

The ‌MacBook Pro‌ models will feature mini-LED displays and smaller bezels with no bottom logo, which we have heard before, and pricing is expected to be similar between the two different sizes. The pricing gap between the 14 and 16-inch options will be "much more narrow" than the current 13 and 16-inch high-end ‌MacBook Pro‌ options.

Display analyst Ross Young earlier today said that the new ‌MacBook Pro‌ models could feature a 120Hz refresh rate for the mini-LED displays, and ‌Dylandkt‌ claims that 120Hz was "being tested on a Mac prototype" earlier in the year, but that he has "no clue when it's coming."

Full details on the new 14 and 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ models will be announced next Monday, and until then, we have a roundup of all of the rumors we've heard so far available in our MacBook Pro guide.

Alongside of its events, Apple uses an #AppleEvent "hashflag" on Twitter, and after today's announcement, the hashtag has been updated with new artwork reflecting the "Unleashed" event.

The updated hashflag features a light blue to darker blue transition, which is in line with the artwork for the event invite. Apple uses hashflags to increase event visibility and build hype on social media networks.

Apple has been using custom Twitter hashflags since late last year, and research done by Agency Creative suggests that these custom hashflags can cost up to $1 million.

The "Unleashed" Apple event is set to take place on Monday, October 18, and it is expected to focus on new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.

Next year's Apple Watch, which would be the Series 8, could come in three sizes, according to display analyst Ross Young. On Twitter, Young said that people should not be surprised "if there are three sizes next year."

Young did not provide details on what those three sizes might be, but he asked if users would like to see a "bigger display," so presumably the third size would be a larger Apple Watch than is currently offered.

Apple in 2021 made minor changes to the design of the Apple Watch Series 7, and it comes in 41mm and 45mm case options. Prior Apple Watch models have been available in 38mm, 40mm, 42mm, and 44mm sizes, with increases coming alongside slimmed down bezels and larger display sizes.

This is the first we've heard of the possibility of the Apple Watch Series 8 being available in more than two sizes, and it is not clear what kind of size increase Apple might offer.

Though we're still waiting on the Apple Watch Series 7, we have heard rumors about what might be coming in 2022. The Apple Watch Series 8 could be available in an option with a "rugged casing" aimed at athletes, hikers, and others who use the watch in more extreme conditions than day to day wear, plus it could have a temperature sensor. Other health sensors that have been in the works for some time are also possibilities, such as blood glucose monitoring for diabetics.

One of Apple's self-driving test vehicles was involved in a minor incident on September 27, according to a filing made with the California DMV [PDF].

The self-driving vehicle, which was operating in autonomous mode at the time, clipped a curb while going 13 miles per hour. There was no damage reported, but the car did require a realignment.

A test vehicle, operating in autonomous mode in Sunnyvale and turning right from Mathilda Avenue onto Del Ray Avenue, made contact with a curb at approximately 13 miles per hour. While there was no tire or wheel damage, the contact resulted in misalignment. No other agents were involved, no injuries were reported, and law enforcement was not called to the scene.

The incident occurred when the vehicle was turning right from Mathilda Avenue onto Del Ray Avenue, a location that is right near Apple's Mathilda Avenue location.

Apple's self-driving vehicles have been involved in several very minor accidents, but most have been caused by other drivers and while not in autonomous mode. This is the second event that has occurred where an Apple vehicle was being operated in autonomous mode.

Apple has been testing its self-driving software since early 2017, using the aforementioned Lexus RX 450h vehicles outfitted with sensors and cameras in the area around its Cupertino campuses. The work on autonomous driving is part of Apple's longtime car project, and rumors suggest Apple is planning to release a vehicle in the mid to late 2020s.