Last month, reputable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said he expected four 5G-enabled iPhones to launch in the second half of 2020, including models with both sub-6GHz and mmWave support depending on the region. Kuo said iPhone models with mmWave would be available in five markets, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and the United Kingdom, adding that Apple may disable 5G functionality in countries that do not offer 5G service or have a shallow 5G penetration rate to reduce production costs. Kuo has now doubled down on his prediction. In a follow-up research note today, viewed by MacRumors, he said Apple is still on track to release both sub-6GHz and sub-6GHz-plus-mmWave iPhone models simultaneously in the second half of 2020, with shipments beginning in the late third quarter or early fourth quarter. Last week, analyst Mehdi Hosseini had disagreed with Kuo's timeframe, claiming that sub-6GHz models would launch in September 2020 and mmWave models would follow in December 2020 or January 2021. Kuo says development of 5G iPhones with both sub-6GHz and mmWave support is progressing as scheduled, however, and he has the more reputable track record as it relates to forecasting Apple's roadmap. So, as of now, it looks like the entire 5G iPhone lineup will be announced in September as

MacRumors published thousands of stories in 2019, as part of our continued coverage of the latest Apple news and rumors. Below, we look back at the top 10 most discussed stories of the year in our forums, with topics ranging from the AirPower mat being canceled to the launch of the Apple Card. Apple Officially Cancels AirPower (1,948 comments): At its iPhone X event in 2017, Apple previewed a new wireless charging mat called AirPower that would have been able to charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, regardless of each device's position on the mat. Apple failed to release the mat in 2018 as promised, however, leading to relentless rumors and speculation. In March 2019, Apple's hardware engineering chief Dan Riccio finally came out and said the AirPower was canceled due to the product's inability to meet its high standards. Apple Card Rolling Out Today to Limited Number of Customers (1,920 comments): After being previewed at its March 2019 event, Apple rolled out its all-new credit card to select users in the United States in the first week of August 2019, followed by a wider launch later in the month. Built into the Wallet app on an iPhone, the Apple Card features Apple Pay support, up to 3% daily cashback, color-coded spending summaries, zero fees beyond interest, and much more. Live 2019 iPhone Event Coverage: 'By Innovation Only' (1,855 comments): Live coverage of Apple's September 2019 event at Steve Jobs Theater, where the company unveiled the iPhone 11 lineup, Apple Watch Series 5 models, and 10.2-inch iPad. Live Apple Event Coverage:

Following in the footsteps of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, the first Android smartphones with Ultra Wideband technology will be released starting later in 2020, according to Barclays analysts. In a research note obtained by MacRumors, the analysts said Android smartphones will be equipped with an all-in-one Ultra Wideband, NFC, and Secure Element chip introduced by Dutch chipmaker NXP Semiconductors last year. It is unclear which Android smartphones will adopt Ultra Wideband first, but Samsung did join a consortium with NXP last year to help develop the technology. iPhone 11 lineup features Ultra Wideband technology In a press release last year, NXP said Ultra Wideband will give mobile devices several new and interesting capabilities, such as being able to unlock a car's doors when the device comes in close proximity of the vehicle, potentially foreshadowing a feature that could come to the iPhone down the road. "With the SR100T, mobile devices will be able to communicate with connected doors, points of entry, and cars to open them once approaching," said NXP in a press release. "Lights, audio speakers, and any other connected device with UWB sensing capability will be able to follow users from one room to another, and smart connected technology will intuitively be embedded in people's lives." iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max models are equipped with an Apple-designed U1 chip with Ultra Wideband, allowing the devices to understand their precise location relative to other nearby U1‑equipped Apple devices. On iOS 13, for example, there is a

Trend Micro today announced that its annual Pwn2Own hacking competition will be held March 18-20 in Vancouver, Canada. Pwn2Own, part of the CanSecWest conference, tasks security researchers with uncovering vulnerabilities in operating systems, web browsers, and more, ranging from macOS and Windows to Safari and Chrome. This year, two prizes will be available for Safari on macOS, including $60,000 for a sandbox escape and $70,000 for a kernel-level escalation of privileges. There is also up to a $500,000 prize for Tesla Model 3 vulnerabilities. Last year at Pwn2Own, at least two zero-day security vulnerabilities were discovered in Safari on macOS. All exploits achieved during the contest are reported to the necessary companies like Apple so that they can be

In its support forums, Bose has indicated that it plans to add AirPlay 2 support to select SoundTouch speakers and other systems by the end of February. The following products will be included:SoundTouch 10 SoundTouch 20 series III SoundTouch 30 series III SoundTouch SA-5 amplifier Wave SoundTouch music system IV SoundTouch 300 wireless sound bar system Lifestyle 550 home entertainment system Lifestyle 600 home entertainment system Lifestyle 650 home entertainment systemAirPlay 2 support will likely be rolled out as part of a free over-the-air software update via the Bose Music app for iPhone and iPad. AirPlay‌ 2 enables multi-room audio playback with other ‌AirPlay‌ 2 devices, such as the HomePod, Apple TV, and select speakers from Sonos, Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, and others. ‌AirPlay‌ 2 devices also appear in the Home app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch and can be controlled with Siri voice commands. Bose added AirPlay 2 to select BoseSmart speakers and sound bars last

August today introduced a new HomeKit-enabled Wi-Fi Smart Lock. As the product name implies, the lock features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, eliminating the need to use a bridge that was previously required. August says the Wi-Fi Smart Lock is 45 percent smaller and 20 percent slimmer than its Smart Lock Pro. Available in matte black and silver, the lock also sports a sleeker design with more rounded edges. As with other smart locks, the Wi-Fi Smart Lock allows you to lock or unlock a door remotely and grant access to family members, friends, and trusted visitors. And with the Activity Feed, you can know who is coming and going at any time, complete with push notifications. There are also auto-lock and auto-unlock features. HomeKit support allows the lock to be controlled through the Home app on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, or with Siri voice commands. For example, on an iPhone or HomePod, you could say "Hey Siri, lock my front door." The lock also supports Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and a few other platforms. Installing the Wi-Fi Smart Lock takes less than 10 minutes, according to August. The lock can be installed on the inside of your door over your existing deadbolt, without touching the outside lock, allowing you to keep your existing deadbolt and keys. August door locks are compatible with most single cylinder deadbolts. August says the Wi-Fi Smart Lock will soon be available to purchase on its website, but it has yet to reveal an exact release date or pricing. Interested customers can sign up to be notified when it is

Apple is kicking off 2020 with an all-new Night Mode photo challenge, inviting users around the world to share their best Night Mode photos captured with the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max. iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro models turn on Night Mode automatically when the camera detects low-light situations. A crescent moon icon at the top of the display turns yellow when the feature is active. Shot on iPhone 11 Pro in Night mode by Austin Mann Apple will accept submissions from today through January 29. A panel of 10 judges will evaluate submissions and reveal five winning photos on March 4. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate, and Apple employees are not eligible. Apple has shared a PDF with full rules and eligibility details. Apple says photos are allowed to be edited with Apple's Photos app or third-party apps and software. If edited, you must state what apps or filters you used in the image caption or comment. Any photo shot with the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max in Night Mode since September 20 qualifies. The winning photos will be shared on Apple's website and on its Instagram, Twitter, WeChat, and Weibo pages. They may also appear in ads and on billboards, at Apple Stores, or in a third-party photo exhibition. Apple says it will pay a licensing fee to the winning photographers for use of such photos in its marketing. To participate in the challenge, share your Night Mode photos on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtags #ShotoniPhone and #NightmodeChallenge. Weibo users can participate using #ShotoniPhone#

In addition to select LG smart TVs, Apple today announced that its Apple TV app will be available on select Sony and Vizio smart TVs later this year. Apple shared the news in a press release highlighting the success of its various services. When available, the Apple TV app will allow owners of newer LG, Sony, and Vizio smart TVs to stream Apple TV+ shows and movies, use the à-la-carte Apple TV Channels feature, access their iTunes libraries of movies and TV shows, and buy or rent more than 100,000 shows and movies from the iTunes Store. The Apple TV app is already available on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC, Apple TV, select Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, and select Samsung smart

In what has become an annual tradition, car audio brands like Alpine, Pioneer, Jensen, and JVC/Kenwood are showcasing new aftermarket CarPlay and Android Auto receivers at CES in Las Vegas this week. Alpine is debuting a new CarPlay and Android Auto receiver with an 11-inch capacitive touchscreen, which it claims is the largest on the market, offering 49 percent more surface area than its 9-inch receivers. The display hovers over the dashboard, allowing it to be placed in most vehicles without the need for custom installation. The display is attached to an adjustable mount that is connected to a traditional single-DIN chassis. It can be tilted at four pre-set angle points to better match the tilt and height of the dashboard. Other features of the iLX-F411 include a mech-less design with no CD/DVD slot, Bluetooth music playback, SiriusXM readiness, a USB-A port, an AUX input, one HDMI input and one HDMI output, and one rear-view camera input. When not in CarPlay mode, the receiver has a customizable user interface with 22 available widgets. Alpine says the iLX-F411 will be available in June 2020 for a suggested price of $1,200 in the United States. Alpine also has two new 9-inch receivers — model numbers iLX-F309 and iLX-F259 — available now for $800 to $1,200. Pioneer is showing off five new CarPlay and Android Auto receivers at CES, including the DMH-WT8600NEX, a 10.1-inch model with a 720p capacitive touchscreen. Like the Alpine receiver above, the display hovers over the dashboard, allowing for it to have a traditional single-DIN chassis with no custom

Razer today announced a new dual-sided game controller that attaches to the top and bottom of an iPhone. Created in partnership with Gamevice, the controller plugs into the Lightning connector, allowing it to be powered by the iPhone rather than a battery. The controller itself has a built-in Lightning connector for pass-through charging of the iPhone. The direct connection also allows for ultra-low latency. Building on the compact design of its Junglecat controller for Android, Razer's new Kishi controller features a directional pad, two thumbsticks, A-B-X-Y buttons, and shoulder bumpers. The controller is certified by Apple. Razer says the Kishi controller will be available in early 2020 for the iPhone 6 or newer and select Android smartphones. Pricing has not been disclosed. iPhone compatibility list:iPhone 6 iPhone 6 Plus iPhone 6s iPhone 6s Plus iPhone 7 iPhone 7 Plus iPhone 8 iPhone 8 Plus iPhone X iPhone XS iPhone XS Max iPhone XR iPhone 11 iPhone 11 ProGamevice has long sold a dual-sided iPhone game controller of its own.

In a letter sent late Monday to Apple's general counsel Katherine Adams, the FBI has asked Apple to help unlock two iPhones that investigators believe were owned by Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, who carried out a mass shooting at a Naval Air Station in Florida last month, according to NBC News. The report claims the iPhones are passcode protected, and one of them appears to be damaged by gunfire. In a statement to NBC News, Apple said it has already provided all of the data in its possession to the FBI:We have the greatest respect for law enforcement and have always worked cooperatively to help in their investigations. When the FBI requested information from us relating to this case a month ago, we gave them all of the data in our possession and we will continue to support them with the data we have available.Apple faced a similar situation in 2016, when a U.S. federal judge ordered the company to help the FBI unlock an iPhone owned by Syed Farook, one of the shooters in the December 2015 attacks in San Bernardino, California. Apple opposed the order, noting that it would set a "dangerous precedent" with security risks. Apple's dispute with the FBI ended in just weeks after the U.S. government found an alternate way to access the data on the iPhone and withdrew the lawsuit. Based on its statement, it appears that Apple will continue to take a hard line on refusing to unlock iPhones for the FBI. Note: Due to the political nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site

OnLeaks, a well-known leaker who shared accurate renders of the iPhone 11 Pro over nine months before the device was unveiled, has returned with new concept art for the so-called "iPhone 9" or "iPhone SE 2" by way of iGeeksBlog. In line with earlier predictions from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, OnLeaks expects the iPhone 9 to resemble the iPhone 8, including a 4.7-inch LCD display with thick bezels, Touch ID home button, and single-lens rear camera. And unlike the original iPhone SE, the device would not have a headphone jack. A key upgrade to the iPhone 9 would be a faster A13 Bionic chip, and the device is expected to lack hardware-based 3D Touch. Where things get less certain is materials. While the renders depict the iPhone 9 with a polished metal frame and a frosted glass back like the iPhone 11 Pro, OnLeaks tells us that these design aspects are purely his assumptions. With the iPhone 9 predicted to start around $399, it is possible that Apple will stick with some cheaper materials like the matte aluminum frame on the iPhone 8. OnLeaks expects the iPhone 9 to be 7.8mm thick, which would be 0.5mm thicker than the iPhone 8, while the height and width of the device will supposedly be virtually identical to the iPhone 8 at around 138.5mm x 67.4mm. Unlike the materials shown in the renders, OnLeaks tells us that these dimensions are not assumptions. Ming-Chi Kuo previously said the iPhone 9 will be released by the end of March. He expects the device to have 64GB and 128GB storage options, with Space Gray, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED color

Just over two months after Apple released AirPods Pro with active noise cancellation, several brands are introducing competitors at CES 2020. Panasonic, Technics, and 1MORE are among the brands that have announced truly wireless earphones with active noise cancellation in Las Vegas this week, and more will likely follow as the show floor opens Tuesday. Panasonic Panasonic says its new RZ-S500W earphones feature "industry-leading noise cancellation," achieved through a combination of feedforward noise cancellation, feedback noise cancellation, and digital and analog processing. These technologies work together to minimize noise generated both inside and outside the ear buds. A touch sensor on the earphones enables users to switch between Ambient Sound mode, Noise Cancelling mode, and Off with the tap of a finger. Ambient Sound mode sounds like Transparency mode on the ‌AirPods Pro‌, which allows you to simultaneously listen to music while still hearing the environment around you. Panasonic has also unveiled a pair of truly wireless earphones under its Technics brand. The EAH-AZ70W earphones feature the same noise cancellation technology and Ambient Sound mode as the RZ-S500W, plus IPX4-rated splash resistance and a new, graphene-coated dynamic driver unit for improved sound. Technics Both the RZ-S500W and EAH-AZ70W earphones will be available in June, according to Panasonic, but pricing has yet to be disclosed. 1MORE's truly wireless earphones feature two levels of active noise cancelation, utilizing the same hybrid technology as the Panasonic and Technics

Following in the footsteps of Anker, accessory makers Griffin and Aukey are at CES 2020 in Las Vegas this week to show off new portable wall chargers based on a material known as gallium nitride, or GaN. In short, GaN allows semiconductor components to be shrunk down, leading to smaller chargers. Griffin has three new PowerBlock chargers based on GaN, including a 30W option with dual USB-C ports for devices like an iPhone or iPad, a 45W option with a single USB-C port for devices like a 13-inch MacBook Pro, and a 96W option with a single USB-C port for devices like the new 16-inch MacBook Pro. The chargers are anywhere from 11 to 57 percent smaller than non-GaN versions, depending on the wattage, according to Griffin. All of them support USB-C Power Delivery for fast charging, and they all have folding prongs. Griffin says the new PowerBlock lineup will be available in the second quarter of 2020, with prices ranging from $49.99 to $79.99. Aukey is also launching a new line of GaN-based chargers in the second quarter of 2020. Full details and pricing have yet to be disclosed, but based on the image below, the so-called Omnia Series will include at least five portable chargers with various combinations of USB-C and/or USB-A ports. Aukey will be showcasing its new chargers with more details on the CES 2020 show floor this

Abode today at CES 2020 in Las Vegas introduced a new security camera that can be used both indoors or outdoors. The modular security camera has many commonly seen features like 1080p video recording, a 152-degree field of view, infrared night vision, motion sensing, facial recognition, a built-in microphone and speaker for two-way communication, and IP65-rated water and dust resistance. Abode said it has submitted the camera for HomeKit certification, which would allow live video to be streamed in the Home app and for the camera to be controlled with Siri voice commands. It is unclear how long this process will take. An included doorbell mount allows the camera to be installed flush against the door and powered by existing doorbell wiring, or a corded attachment can be used to mount the camera outdoors and have it powered by a standard outlet. Abode will also be releasing a model with a built-in doorbell button in the future. The camera will be available for $199 starting in the first quarter of

In an internal memo shared with Apple Authorized Service Providers, Apple has indicated that it plans to update its serial number format to a randomized alphanumeric string for future products starting in late 2020. Apple says all serial numbers that exist before the change is made will remain the same. Apple already uses alphanumeric serial numbers, but it has long been possible to determine the date and location that a product was manufactured based on the current format. Readers would often use serial numbers to glean more information about their devices. The randomized format would likely not be decipherable, or at least hard to, and it could also help to reduce fraud. The memo was published today and obtained by MacRumors from a reliable source. It is unclear if the change will apply

Last month, in a research note with TF International Securities, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said he expects four high-end iPhones with 5G support to launch in the second half of 2020, including both sub-6GHz and sub-6GHz-and-mmWave models. Kuo said iPhone models with mmWave would be available in five markets, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and the United Kingdom, adding that Apple may disable 5G functionality in countries that do not offer 5G service or have a shallow 5G penetration rate to reduce production costs. Based on checks within Apple's supply chain, however, Susquehanna analyst Mehdi Hosseini disagrees with Kuo's timeframe. Instead, he expects 5G-enabled iPhones to launch in two phases, including sub-6GHz models in September 2020 and mmWave models in December 2020 or January 2021. The allegedly delayed launch of mmWave models stems from Apple's decision to use its own antenna-in-package modules instead of relying on a third-party supplier, said Hosseini, according to StreetInsider. mmWave is the fastest 5G, utilizing new spectrum to provide theoretical download speeds of over 1 Gbps. Sub-6GHz is slower than mmWave, but it is still faster than 4G LTE and has broader coverage that makes it more suitable for rural areas. Hosseini also expects one of the 5G-enabled iPhones to have an LCD, whereas Kuo said all four models would ship with OLED displays. One 5.4-inch model, two 6.1-inch models, and one 6.7-inch model are expected. Kuo has a more established track record than Hosseini, so Apple's exact roadmap remains to be

Home security company ADT today announced a new range of smart home products with forthcoming HomeKit support, including an indoor camera, outdoor camera, video doorbell, and Wi-Fi range extender that doubles as a doorbell chime. All are part of the new Blue by ADT brand, known as LifeShield until now. ADT's doorbell features 1080p video recording, a 180-degree field of view, night vision, custom motion detection zones, two-way talk, a water-resistant design, and more. The biggest feature of all will be HomeKit support, as there are currently only a few video doorbells that support Apple's smart home platform. From left to right: outdoor camera, video doorbell, and indoor camera HomeKit support will allow users to receive an instant notification when someone rings the doorbell, leading to a live video stream in the Home app when tapped. HomeKit also means Siri support for controlling the doorbell with voice commands. Unfortunately, ADT will not be adding HomeKit or Google Assistant support to the doorbell until the second quarter of 2020, according to The Verge. ADT's indoor and outdoor security cameras offer many of the same features as the doorbell, including 1080p video recording and two-way talk, but they have a slightly smaller 130-degree field of view. All four products are available to pre-order starting today and will begin shipping before the end of January. The cameras and doorbell are priced at $199.99 each, while the Wi-Fi extender runs $49.99. ADT says additional security system components, including a base, keypad, and sensors, will launch

Oral-B and Colgate, two major oral health brands, have announced new iPhone-connected electric toothbrushes at CES 2020 in Las Vegas. A ‌CES 2020‌ Innovation Awards honoree, the new Oral-B iO toothbrush uniquely features a frictionless magnetic drive, which distributes energy more efficiently to the tips of the bristles for a smoother and quieter brushing experience, according to parent company Procter & Gamble. The toothbrush also features a redesigned brush head with twisted bristles that has been engineered to combine oscillating and rotating cleaning motions with micro-vibrations to ensure a deep clean. Through the Oral-B app, the Bluetooth-enabled toothbrush provides real-time individual tracking and coaching, based on artificial intelligence from thousands of recorded brushing sessions. The app guides users through a two-minute brushing session with 3D teeth tracking to ensure the best cleaning possible. Equipped with a smart pressure sensor, the Oral-B iO provides positive brushing feedback, identifying and guiding users to brush in the optimal pressure range. A tiny display on the toothbrush greets and motivates users throughout the cleaning process, with up to seven personalized brushing modes available. Procter & Gamble says the Oral-B iO will be available for purchase beginning August 2020. Pricing has not been disclosed. The recipient of a ‌CES 2020‌ Best of Innovation Award, Colgate's new Plaqless Pro toothbrush features new optic sensor technology that can detect plaque in the mouth so that it can be removed while brushing. The toothbrush will

Apple today shared a new video on its YouTube channel, titled Experiments IV: Fire & Ice. Shot on the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple says the 90-second video captures "incredible footage of elements at their most extreme." Apple has also shared a companion behind the scenes video. Watch other Shot on iPhone videos here.