The Apple Watch Series 7 officially hits the shelves and starts arriving with customers worldwide tomorrow. While we have seen media reviews of the new watch, we've yet to see a clear real-world comparison to last year's Apple Watch Series 6 until now.
Apple says the new Apple Watch Series 7 features a 20% larger screen than the Series 6, primarily thanks to reduced bezels that allow the screen to slightly curve at the edges. Apple has a side-by-side comparison of the Series 7 to the Series 6 on its website, but for an apparent, real-world look, an image has now been shared on Twitter.
The image clearly shows the Apple Watch Series 7 featuring a noticeably larger display than the Series 6, despite the case size only increasingly slightly. To take advantage of the larger display, Apple has updated watchOS's user interface to include larger buttons, as well as a full on-screen QWERTY keyboard.
Alongside its larger display, the Apple Watch Series 7 also features faster charging and improved durability. Learn everything you need to know about the Series 7 using our guide.
Back in October of 2020, Apple introduced a service program to address AirPods Pro issues that could cause them to experience static, crackling sounds, or problems with Active Noise Cancellation. At the time, Apple said the program would cover the AirPods Pro for two years after the retail sale of the unit.
Apple has now extended the program, quietly updating the accompanying support document back at the beginning of October. As noted on Reddit, the "Additional Information" section of the page now notes that the program will cover affected AirPods Pro for three years after the first retail sale of the unit, up from the initial two years.
Customers who purchased AirPods at launch in 2019 will now be covered until October 2022 should this issue pop up, and those who bought in 2020 before the repaired version in October 2020 came out can get repairs until 2023.
Faulty AirPods Pro that are in need of repair exhibit the following problems:
Crackling or static sounds that increase in loud environments, with exercise or while talking on the phone
Active Noise Cancellation not working as expected, such as a loss of bass sound, or an increase in background sounds, such as street or airplane noise
Affected AirPods were manufactured before October 2020, and those who have AirPods Pro experiencing issues can bring them to Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for service free of charge. Apple says that the AirPods Pro will be examined prior to service to verify that they're eligible for the program. AirPods Pro earbuds demonstrating the issue (left, right, or both) will be replaced.
The program applies only to the AirPods Pro and not the AirPods or the AirPods Max.
Astropad today announced the launch of new software for the Luna Display, with the 5.0 update introducing support for Windows PCs.
The Luna Display is a little dongle that's designed to allow an iPad or a Mac to be used as a secondary display for a main Mac machine. It's similar to Sidecar, but works with both Macs and iPads.
Luna Display users who own a USB-C version of the dongle can upgrade to the new software to use the device interchangeably between Macs and PCs. That means Mac users who have a Luna Display can also now use it with PCs, connecting a secondary iPad to a PC to serve as an extra display.
The Luna Display apps have been rearchitected to support both PCs and Macs, and the update also introduces a faster setup flow for M1 Macs. The Luna Display can be purchased from the Astropad website.
We've teamed up with Speck to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win one of Apple's new iPhone 13 models and a set of cases to go along with it. For those unfamiliar with Speck, the company makes a wide range of high-quality cases and accessories for Apple devices.
Speck has several MagSafe-compatible cases designed for Apple's iPhone 13 models, including the Presidio Perfect-Clear, the Presidio2 Grip, and Presidio2 Pro, all of which are slim, protective, and attractive.
Priced at $49.95, the Presidio Perfect-Clear is the perfect case to get if you want protection while also letting the design of the iPhone 13 to shine through. We often cover our iPhones in cases that obscure the natural color of the device, but with a clear case, you can see the iPhone as Apple designed it without sacrificing protection.
The Presidio Perfect-Clear does have a circle-shaped opaque spot that houses the magnets that allow it to work with MagSafe technology. It's got a dual-layer design with clear coating for clarity, and it's made with Microban to cut down on germs. There's a raised screen bezel to protect it from drops and scratches when face down, along with a raised ring for the camera.
For those who want slim protection and prefer a more standard case, Speck has the $54.95 Presidio2 Pro, which is also compatible with MagSafe. Available in blue/black, black/white, and rosy pink/white, the Presidio2 Pro offers 13-foot drop protection while avoiding the unnecessary bulk of some other case options.
It features a pleasant soft-touch coating and the same Microban antimicrobial protection provided with other Speck cases. The design uses Armor Cloud Technology, which works on the same principle as an airbag to cushion the iPhone in the event of a fall. It has reinforced corners for durability, covered buttons, accessible ports, and a raised bezel to protect the screen should the iPhone fall face down in an accident.
Speck also has the Presidio2 Grip case, which has been designed to be 20 percent slimmer than prior Presidio Grip case options. Priced at $54.95, the Grip Case has inverted no-slip grip grooves along both sides to make it easier to hold onto when using the iPhone 13.
The Presidio2 Grip works with MagSafe chargers and has all of the features that come with Speck cases like Armor Cloud technology, Microban for bacterial resistance, raised bezels around the display and camera for protection purposes, responsive buttons, port access, and the ability to survive drops as high as 13 feet. The Presidio2 Grip comes in graphite/black, black/white, and blue/black.
All of Speck's cases come with a 30-day money back guarantee and a lifetime warranty against damage, and for those who don't have an iPhone 13, there are also options for many of Apple's older iPhones. Speck also makes cases for AirPods, AirTags, iPads, MacBooks, and more.
We have a 128GB iPhone 13 and a set of the three above-mentioned cases to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
The contest will run from today (October 13) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on October 20. The winner will be chosen randomly on October 20 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.
Universal Control, one of the main new features that Apple highlighted for macOS Monterey back in June, has yet to be implemented even in the tenth beta and it is still unclear if it will be available when the software launches.
Though not yet implemented, Universal Control settings can be force enabled with a feature flag, and it is clear that Apple is working on it behind the scenes. In the latest beta update released this morning, Universal Control settings that have been manually enabled have a "Beta" label.
The "Beta" labeling suggests that Apple could be planning to make the feature available to users when macOS Monterey launches, even if all the bugs have not been worked out. Apple did something similar for the iCloud+ Private Relay feature, which is also available in a beta capacity at the current time.
Universal Control, which is an iPadOS 15 and Monterey feature, is designed to allow multiple Macs and iPads to be operated the same time using the same input devices, so Mac and iPad owners can use a single mouse and keyboard across more than one Mac, more than one iPad, or a mix of Macs and iPads.
Apple is continuing to refine the unpopular Safari design that it introduced in macOS Monterey, and the latest beta tweaks the position of the Favorites bar.
The design initially had Favorites located below the tab bar, a departure from the location in prior versions of macOS, including macOS Big Sur. With the tenth beta, Apple has relocated Favorites and put it back above the Tab bar where it was originally.
Apple has been changing the design of Safari throughout the beta testing process, but for many, the new look continues to be inferior to the previous Safari interface, especially when it comes to the tab bar design.
Apple has also released Safari 15 with the Monterey-style design to macOS Big Sur users, and the same Favorites change may be coming in an update set to be released in the near future.
macOS Monterey is likely nearing a release as we are expecting it to come out right around when new MacBook Pro models launch. Apple is holding an event on Monday, October 18 to introduce the new machines, so we may not have too long to wait until the update launches.
Update: As noted by Daring Fireball's John Gruber, iOS 15.1 beta 4 also includes the same Safari design tweak with the Favorites bar located above the tabs.
Jason Segel is set to star in upcoming Apple TV+ series "Shrinking," Apple announced today. Segel is writing and executive producing the show alongside "Ted Lasso" co-creator Bill Lawrence and "Ted Lasso" star and writer Brett Goldstein, who plays Roy Kent on the series.
The 10-episode comedy series will feature Segel playing a therapist who begins to break the rules and tells his clients what he really thinks of them. "Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, tumultuous changes to people's lives ... including his own," reads the show's description.
Segel is starring in upcoming Apple TV+ movie "The Sky is Everywhere," based on the best-selling young adult novel of the same name, so this is his second Apple TV+ project. He's also somewhat famous at MacRumors as he is a fan and mentioned the site in the DVD commentary for "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." "I love MacRumors.com," he said. "It's tomorrow's Mac news today."
"Shrinking" is a promising upcoming TV+ series as it is coming from some of the team behind "Ted Lasso." "Ted Lasso" has thus far won multiple awards, and it is one of the headline shows on Apple TV+. There is no word yet on when "Shrinking" will debut.
Apple today seeded the fourth betas of upcoming iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1 betas to developers for testing purposes, one week after seeding the third betas and three weeks after releasing iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 to the public.
iOS and iPadOS 15.1 can be downloaded through the Apple Developer Center or over the air after the proper profile has been installed on an iPhone or iPad.
SharePlay makes a return in iOS 15.1, with Apple once again testing the feature that was removed before the launch of iOS 15. SharePlay is designed to let users call their friends and family and interact by watching movies, watching TV, or listening to music together.
Apple has added features like shared playlists and TV show syncing so everyone sees the same thing at the same time. SharePlay also has a built-in screen sharing feature, and Apple is still working out the bugs.
For iPhone 13 Pro users, the iOS 15.1 beta adds support for ProRes video capture, which is a higher quality professional video format that takes up quite a bit of storage space. For that reason, ProRes capture is limited to 30fps at 1080p on devices with only 128GB of storage, but higher capacity devices can record in 4K. ProRes can be toggled on in the Camera section of the Settings app.
There's also a new Auto Macro toggle for the iPhone 13 Pro models, which allows users to disable the feature that causes the camera to automatically swap to the Ultra Wide lens for a macro photo when in close proximity to an object.
Paired with the HomePod 15.1 beta (which is invite only), iOS 15.1 adds Lossless Audio and Dolby Atmos with Spatial Audio support to the HomePod and the HomePod mini, bringing Apple's speakers in line with iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
iPhone users who have a health care provider or state record that uses SMART Health Cards can import their COVID-19 vaccination records into the Health app and can then add a vaccine card to the Wallet app. This is an opt-in feature that uses a global specification, but healthcare providers need to implement it.
Right now, Smart Health Cards are or will be available to those in California, Louisiana, New York, Virginia, Hawaii, and some Maryland counties, as well those who were vaccinated at Walmart, Sam's Club, and CVS Health. Healthcare providers like electronic health record vendors like Epic and Cerner also support Smart Health Cards.
The update fixes an Unlock with Apple Watch bug that prevented an authenticated Apple Watch from unlocking an iPhone when the user is wearing a mask. The feature was unable to be toggled on the iPhone 13 Pro, but after the iOS 15.1 update, it is once again functional.
Apple today seeded the tenth developer beta of macOS Monterey, the newest version of the macOS operating system. The tenth beta comes one week after Apple released the ninth macOS Monterey beta.
Registered developers can download the beta through the Apple Developer Center and once the appropriate profile is installed, betas will be available through the Software Update mechanism in System Preferences.
macOS Monterey will bring Universal Control, a feature that lets a single mouse, trackpad, and keyboard be used across multiple Mac or iPad devices, plus there's a new AirPlay to Mac feature. Safari has been redesigned with a new tab bar with a toggle for two different designs and support for Tab Groups, and FaceTime has gained spatial audio, a Portrait Mode on M1 Macs, and Voice Isolation for cutting out background noise. There's also a new SharePlay FaceTime feature that lets Apple users watch TV, listen to music, and share their screens with one another.
Shared With You, a separate feature, keeps track of the music, links, podcasts, news, and photos that people are sent in Messages, highlighting it in the relevant apps. Notes has a new Quick Note feature for jotting down thoughts, and collaboration is easier with mentions and an Activity View.
The Shortcuts app from iOS is now available on the Mac, and Focus helps people stay on task by cutting out background distractions. There's an updated Maps app with a whole slew of new features, and with Live Text, Macs can now detect text in photos or provide details on animals, art, landmarks, plants, and more in images.
Mail Privacy Protection hides IP and prevents tracking through invisible pixels, and iCloud Private Relay keeps Safari browsing protected. There are many other new features in macOS Monterey, with a full rundown available in our macOS Monterey roundup.
Apple today seeded the fourth beta of an upcoming watchOS 8.1 beta to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming one week after the release of the third beta and three weeks after the release of the watchOS 8 update.
To install watchOS 8.1, developers will need to download the configuration profile from the Apple Developer Center. Once installed, watchOS 8 can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software update.
To update to new software, an Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life, it must be placed on the charger, and it needs to be in range of the iPhone.
We don't yet know what's new in watchOS 8.1 and there were no new features found in the first three betas, but we'll update this article should anything new pop up in the fourth beta.
Developers can download the new tvOS 15.1 beta by downloading a profile onto the Apple TV using Xcode.
Other than new releases, tvOS updates are often minor in scale, focusing on under-the-hood bug fixes and improvements rather than major outward-facing changes. We don't yet know what's included in tvOS 15.1, but we'll update this article should anything be found.
Though we don't often know what's new in tvOS during the beta testing process, we let MacRumors readers know when new updates are available so those who are developers can download it upon release.
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, Bloombergreported 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.
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.
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.
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.
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'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.
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