Best Buy Launches Exclusive Black & Gold Beats Studio Pro
Following an Amazon-exclusive Matte White version of the Beats Studio Pro that launched last month, Best Buy recently debuted its own exclusive color option for the over-ear headphones from the Apple-owned brand: Black & Gold.
Offering a two-tone alternative to the standard Black color option, the Black & Gold Beats Studio Pro feature a largely black exterior but with something of a champagne or gold color inside the headband and all the way down to where the ear cups attach. Gold accents for the headband hinges and the Beats "b" button provide additional contrast.
The Black & Gold Beats Studio Pro come with the same traditional black nylon case as the original four launch colors for the headphones, and they come with gray USB-C and 3.5mm cables for charging and connectivity.
new Black & Gold color option for the Beats Studio Pro retails for the usual Studio Pro price of $349.99, although Best Buy is currently running a significant sale on most Beats headphones and earphones that knocks $100 off to bring the price to $249.99.
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.
Tags: Beats, Beats Studio Pro
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Following an Amazon-exclusive Matte White version of the Beats Studio Pro that launched last month, Best Buy recently debuted its own exclusive color option for the over-ear headphones from the Apple-owned brand: Black & Gold.
Offering a two-tone alternative to the standard Black color option, the Black & Gold Beats Studio Pro feature a largely black exterior but with something of a champagne or gold color inside the headband and all the way down to where the ear cups attach. Gold accents for the headband hinges and the Beats "b" button provide additional contrast.
The Black & Gold Beats Studio Pro come with the same traditional black nylon case as the original four launch colors for the headphones, and they come with gray USB-C and 3.5mm cables for charging and connectivity.
new Black & Gold color option for the Beats Studio Pro retails for the usual Studio Pro price of $349.99, although Best Buy is currently running a significant sale on most Beats headphones and earphones that knocks $100 off to bring the price to $249.99.
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.
Tags: Beats, Beats Studio Pro
This article, "Best Buy Launches Exclusive Black & Gold Beats Studio Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Best Buy Launches Exclusive Black & Gold Beats Studio Pro
Following an Amazon-exclusive Matte White version of the Beats Studio Pro that launched last month, Best Buy recently debuted its own exclusive col...
Apple is preparing to begin supporting digital car keys in the Wallet app for certain Volvo, Polestar, and Audi vehicles, based on code changes discovered by MacRumors in Apple's Wallet app backend.
The car keys function can allow an iPhone or Apple Watch with NFC capabilities to unlock, lock, or start a vehicle through the Wallet app by simply holding the device near a compatible vehicle's NFC reader. Car key functionality may vary by manufacturer and model.
CarPlay model availability web page.
Tag: Car Keys
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Apple today provided developers with the seventh betas of iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 to continue testing Apple Intelligence features. The seventh betas come a week after Apple seeded the sixth iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 betas.
The updates can be downloaded from the Settings app on a compatible device by going to General > Software Update. Note that Apple Intelligence features still an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 to run.
Apple Intelligence includes Writing Tools that are available wherever text can be selected and edited, and it can be used for spell checking, fixing grammar, rewriting with a new tone, and summarizing text.
Siri has a new design with a subtle glow around the display, and there is a Type to Siri feature so you don't have to speak to Siri. Siri can follow along if you stumble over your words, and can maintain context between requests. Safari can summarize articles, and there's a new Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode.
Photos has a Memory Movie feature for creating slideshows based on text descriptions, and you can record, transcribe, and summarize phone calls. Transcription and summarization are also available for any audio recording.
found in our Apple Intelligence guide. Image Playground, Genmoji, and other new Siri features have not yet been implemented.
Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
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Anker recently kicked off an early access Black Friday sale, which is set to run through the end of the month. These early bird deals include big discounts on portable chargers, USB-C hubs, cables, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Anker. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
20 percent off a collection of Anker's best chargers, power banks, cables, hubs, and docks this month. In order to get this deal, head to Anker's website and add an accessory to your cart, then enter the code akmacrumors20ch at checkout to see the discount.
EXCLUSIVE 20% OFF
Anker Sitewide Sale
Our exclusive 20 percent off code works on most accessories sitewide, including Anker's new line of MagSafe-compatible products. Our code does not stack with any existing offers, including the early access Black Friday deals.
akmacrumors20ch at the checkout screen on Anker's website.
Prime Chargers
Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable - $28.00, down from $34.99
Prime Charger (200W, 6 Ports) - $68.00, down from $84.99
Prime Charger (100W, 3 Ports) - $68.00, down from $84.99
Prime Power Bank - $72.00, down from $89.99
Prime Charging Station (8-in-1) - $132.00, down from $164.99
Prime Power Bank 27,650 mAh - $133.00, down from $179.99
Prime Charging Docking Station (14-in-1) - $200.00, down from $249.99
Wireless Chargers
MagGo 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Station - $72.00, down from $89.99
MagGo Wireless Charger Stand - $28.80, down from $35.99
MagGo 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand - $39.99, down from $49.99
MagGo 2-in-1 Wireless Charger Dock Stand - $40.00, down from $49.99
Power Banks
MagGo Power Bank 10,000 mAh - $60.00, down from $69.99
MagGo Power Bank for Apple Watch - $64.00, down from $79.99
Accessories
MagGo Magnetic Case with Stand - $24.00, down from $32.99
MagGo USB-C Adapter - $22.99, down from $34.99
Easy Fit Screen Protector - $25.60, down from $31.99
Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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Apple Maps in iOS 18 introduces two helpful new features: a centralized Library for saved content and the ability to add personal notes to locations. Here's how to take advantage of these new tools.
Using the New Library
Apple's iOS 18 update brings significant improvements to the Maps app, and streamlines the process of saving and organizing your favorite locations. Building on the existing Guides feature, the new version introduces a simple "+" button on location listings for quick saving.
A new Library menu now houses all of your saved places, including those from Guides and Pinned locations. The Library also automatically incorporates previously saved locations, offering a comprehensive view of your favorite spots.
You can individually search through your Pinned, Places, Guides, and Routes collections, and use the three-dot button to sort them by date added, name, or distance, and toggle between list and grid views. The update also enables direct saving of new locations from within the Library itself, via the + Add button.
In summary, the new Library consolidates content that was previously spread across different sections of the app, which makes your saved place information a lot more accessible.
Adding Notes to Locations
iOS 18 also introduces the ability to add personal notes to any location in Apple Maps. This feature allows you to jot down reminders, impressions, or any other information you want to associate with a specific place. To add a note:
Search for or tap on a location in Maps.
Tap the More button (three dots) in the location's information card.
Tap Add a Note.
Type your note, then tap Done.
Your notes are private and stored only on devices logged into your Apple account. This feature can be particularly useful for remembering details about restaurants, marking meeting spots, or keeping track of places you want to visit.
custom routes, hiking trails, and a new Search Here function.
Tag: Apple Maps
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The Apple Watch Series 10 arrived a year after the Apple Watch Ultra 2, introducing a revamped design and a more advanced display. Apple did not launch an Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year, leaving last year's Apple Watch Ultra 2 as the latest version, so how does it compare to the latest Series 10 model?
Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 feature sleep apnea detection, speaker playback, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, an Always-On Retina display, IP6X dust resistance, and more, but there are still some significant differences between the two devices. Since the Series 10 is a year newer than the Ultra 2, it boasts a limited number of superior features, but the Ultra 2 remains the overall more capable device. The Apple Watch Ultra focuses on withstanding extreme environments, a high level of durability, extended battery life, and additional features to aid activities like diving and exploration.
With as little as $50 between the 46mm titanium Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra, some prospective customers will be weighing up whether it is worth spending a little extra to get the 49mm Ultra model. While there is a $400 difference between the GPS-only 42mm aluminum Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra, the high-end model offers a set of features to address specific challenges, so it may even be worth it for some of these buyers. Key differences between the devices include:
Apple Watch Series 10 (2024)
Apple Watch Ultra (2023, second-generation)
Refined design with a thinner casing, display with more rounded edges and a wider aspect ratio, and front glass that extends further over the sides for a higher screen-to-body ratio
Same design as first-generation Apple Watch Ultra
42mm: 1.89-inch display
46mm: 2.04-inch display
1.92-inch display
Anodized or polished aluminum and polished titanium casing options
Blasted titanium casing
Front crystal curves at edges onto shaped casing
Corrosion resistant case with raised edges to protect the flat sapphire front crystal
42mm and 46mm casing size options (vertical)
49mm casing size (vertical)
Aluminum: Ion-X front glass
Titanium: Sapphire crystal front glass
Sapphire crystal front glass
Aluminum: Wi-fi only and cellular connectivity options
Titanium: Cellular connectivity
Cellular connectivity
Curved display with refractive edge
Flat display
42mm: 989 sq mm display area
46mm: 1,220 sq mm display area
1164 sq mm display area
Aluminum: Available in anodized Silver and Rose Gold, and polished Jet Black finishes
Titanium: Available in polished Silver (matches previous stainless steel casing, Apple Watch Hermès only), Gold, Slate, and Natural finishes
Natural Titanium or Black Titanium finish
One of the most important differences between the Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 is their design, with the latter boasting a much chunkier, aggressive look with a flat display. The Apple Watch Series 10 has a much subtler appearance and is available in wider range of finishes, but which look you prefer is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
Ways the Apple Watch Series 10 Is Better
While the Apple Watch Series 10 does have some hardware improvements over the Apple Watch Ultra 2, such as a reengineered metal back with a larger charging coil and an integrated antenna, and a more compact chip, these are not really outwardly noticeable. The most noticeable enhancement is an updated display, which features a faster refresh rate to enable a live ticking seconds hand on certain watch faces. The display is also up to 40% brighter then viewed at an angle, making it easier to glance at the time or complications.
Apple Watch Series 10 (2024)
Apple Watch Ultra (2023, second-generation)
Metal back with larger charging coil and integrated antenna
Ceramic and sapphire crystal back
LTPO3 OLED Always-On Retina display (faster refresh rate in always-on mode, enabling a live ticking seconds hand on select watch faces)
LTPO2 OLED Always-On Retina display
Wide-angle OLED (up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle)
More compact S10 chip
S9 chip
Faster charging (0–80% in about 30 minutes)
Fast charging (0–80% in about 60 minutes)
42mm: 374 by 446 pixel display
46mm: 416 by 496 pixel display
410 by 502 pixel display
9.7mm thickness
14.4mm thickness
Weighs 29.3 grams to 41.7 grams depending on casing size and material
Weighs 61.4 grams
Aluminum: Starts at $399
Titanium: Starts at $699
Starts at $799
The Apple Watch Series 10 continues to be thinner, lighter, and cheaper than the Apple Watch Ultra. It also charges twice as quickly, but with a considerably shorter battery life.
Ways the Apple Watch Ultra Is Better
Nevertheless, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains the more capable watch with a wide array of superior features:
Apple Watch Series 10 (2024)
Apple Watch Ultra (2023, second-generation)
Digital Crown with haptic feedback and side button
Digital Crown with haptic feedback, side button, and customizable Action button
Up to 2,000 nits brightness
Up to 3,000 nits brightness
Exclusive Wayfinder and Modular Ultra faces
Night Mode for low-visibility conditions
Single speaker
Dual speakers
Single microphone with voice isolation
Triple-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation
GPS (L1)
Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5)
86-decibel Siren to attract attention
Water resistant to 50m
Water resistant to 100m
Swimproof to 6m
Swimproof and recreational scuba dive to 40m
Tested to MIL-STD 810H
EN13319 certification
Always-on altimeter
Always-on altimeter with expanded operating range from –500m to 9000m
Up to 18 hours normal battery life
Up to 36 hours normal battery life
Up to 36 hours battery life in Low Power Mode
Up to 72 hours battery life in Low Power Mode
Which Should You Choose?
The Apple Watch Ultra offers specific capabilities to address the requirements of those who need their Apple Watch to provide assistance in challenging environments. If you need a more durable Apple Watch with features like a brighter display, louder speakers, a more reliable GPS, better water resistance, and more, the Apple Watch Ultra is undoubtedly the best choice. The Apple Watch Ultra is clearly better equipped to handle tasks like hiking, diving, and navigation.
The Apple Watch Ultra is also biggest and most feature-rich Apple Watch option available, not to mention that it offers the first true redesign of the device since its introduction in 2015. For technology enthusiasts, Apple Watch Ultra represents a way to get a new Apple Watch experience with top specifications in several key areas. Features like longer battery life, a brighter display, and the Action button are also highly accessible, and will be beneficial to all users. As such, some customers may still be inclined to choose the Apple Watch Ultra 2 over the Apple Watch Series 10, even if they do not need it for use in challenging environments.
Apple Store and trying on the Apple Watch Ultra in person to get to grips with the size and determine if it is too big and bulky for you. It is worth noting that the 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 has a display that is actually slightly larger than that of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but it is a smaller device physically.
Similarly, the Apple Watch Ultra's look may not appeal to some buyers. If you prefer the idea of a polished finish and are looking for a more fashion-focused smartwatch that pairs well with premium bands, the more aggressive, rugged design of the Apple Watch Ultra may not be for you.
If the Apple Watch Ultra is out of your price range but you still want to use your Apple Watch in challenging environments, it is worth bearing in mind that the Series 10 still offers a durable design with a strong front crystal, water resistance, and many of the Apple Watch Ultra 2's software features like waypoint marking.
Related Roundups: Apple Watch 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now), Apple Watch Ultra (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Watch
This article, "Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2 Buyer's Guide: Which Should You Choose?" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Serial leaker Sonny Dickson has shared an image on social media purporting to show a case designed for Apple's unannounced iPhone SE 4. The case aligns with most rumors about the device, expected to launch in the spring, but there is one difference.
Rumors have suggested that the iPhone SE 4 will have a design similar to the iPhone 14, featuring an all-display design with Face ID instead of Touch ID, a 6.06-inch display, OLED display technology instead of LCD, a USB-C port, a single 48-megapixel rear camera located in a horizontal oblong bump, an Apple-designed 5G modem, 8GB RAM, a notch, and perhaps a multi-purpose Action button to replace the mute switch.
Most of the rumored design changes align with what can be seen in the image. However, if you look closely, there's a cut-out on the side above the location of the volume controls that appears to be an opening for a physical mute/silent switch. It's possible that the case manufacturer has left a cutout simply because they don't know if the button will be present or not. But given that Apple suppliers are expected to begin ramping up mass production of the device this month, it could be that Apple has chosen not to add an Action button, despite the fact that all iPhone 16 models inherited the button from 2023's iPhone 15 Pro models.
own online poll conducted earlier this year, half of iPhone 15 Pro users who participated said they forgot the Action button was even there, while many said they had it set to function essentially as a mute/silent switch replacement. The results suggest the button is popular with a more niche cohort of power users (i.e. not the kind of customers most likely to be interested in the more affordable iPhone SE 4).
Related Roundup: iPhone SE
Tag: Sonny Dickson
Buyer's Guide: iPhone SE (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPhone
This article, "iPhone SE 4 Case Leak Suggests Device May Not Feature Action Button" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple is working on smart glasses and AirPods with built-in cameras for a potential release in 2027, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The devices are said to be part of Apple's efforts to expand its augmented reality product lineup beyond the Vision Pro headset with something that has wider appeal.
The push for new AR products comes as the Vision Pro faces challenges in the market. Many users find the $3,500 headset too heavy for extended use, expensive, and prone to overheating, relegating it to niche status. Interest in the device has reportedly waned since its launch, with sales falling short of Apple's expectations.
In his latest "Power On" newsletter, Gurman reports that Apple's Vision Products Group is now looking beyond the Vision Pro and considering launching smart glasses comparable to Meta's Ray-Ban collaboration. The smart glasses and camera-equipped AirPods are intended to make use of the billions of dollars invested in the Vision Pro's visual intelligence capabilities. This technology allows devices to analyze their surroundings and provide relevant information to users.
A software update coming later this year will bring a similar feature to iPhone 16 models: Users will be able to open the Camera app and point it at an object to get information about that object with a click and hold gesture. Pointing it at a restaurant, for example, will bring up hours and ratings, while pointing it at a plant will identify the plant. Using visual control with something that has a date, such as a flyer, will add the date to the Calendar app.
Apple's smart glasses and AirPods with cameras are still in the planning stages, but are said to represent Apple's strategy to bring augmented reality features to more accessible form factors. The company is reportedly concerned about its current position in the AR market, with Meta already offering smart glasses at a lower price point.
Related Roundups: AirPods 4, AirPods Pro, Apple Vision Pro
Tag: Mark Gurman
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now), AirPods Pro (Neutral), Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forums: AirPods, Apple Vision Pro
This article, "Apple Planning Smart Glasses and AirPods With Cameras for 2027" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple announced the HomePod mini smart speaker four years ago today at its "Hi, Speed" special event.
The low-cost smart speaker was announced alongside the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max in October 2020. The HomePod mini is Apple's first compact smart speaker, offering high-quality audio, Siri voice control, and smart home integration via HomeKit.
HomePod, which sells for $299 and is focused on delivering bigger, better sound thanks to more advanced audio hardware such as multiple tweeters and woofers. While both models share Siri integration and smart home capabilities, the HomePod mini is considerably smaller, powered by the Apple S5 chip, lacks spatial awareness, and comes in a wider range of color options.
HomePod Mini vs. HomePod Buyer's Guide
introduced three new colors—Blue, Yellow, and Orange—to its lineup, adding vibrancy to the previously monochrome options of Space Gray and White. audioOS 14.3, released shortly after its launch, added support for 18W power adapters. With audioOS 16.3, Apple activated previously undisclosed temperature and humidity sensors within the HomePod mini. Although these sensors had been identified by teardowns shortly after launch, Apple waited to enable them alongside the release of the second-generation full-sized HomePod. On July 15, 2024, Apple refreshed the HomePod mini yet again by discontinuing the Space Gray variant and replacing it with a Midnight color option to match the full-size HomePod.
working on a second-generation version that could debut in the near future.
Related Roundup: HomePod mini
Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Caution)
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology
This article, "Apple Announced the HomePod Mini Four Years Ago Today" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Amazon this weekend has introduced a new record low price for the Apple Pencil Pro, available for $89.99, down from $129.00. Alongside this deal, we're tracking a collection of Apple accessory discounts, including great deals on the Magic Keyboard and MagSafe Charger.
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
In regards to the Apple Pencil Pro, this sale beats the Prime Day price we tracked last week by about $10. Amazon also has a new low price on the USB-C Apple Pencil, available for $65.00, down from $79.00.
$39 OFF
Apple Pencil Pro for $89.99
$14 OFF
Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $65.00
Magic Keyboard
Moving to the new 2024 Magic Keyboards, you can get the 11-inch model in Black for $269.99, down from $299.00. This is an all-time low price on the accessory and it has an estimated October 16 delivery date on Amazon.
$29 OFF
11-inch M4 iPad Pro Magic Keyboard for $269.99
$299.99 in Black, down from $349.00. This is another new record low price on the Magic Keyboard, and you'll find similar delivery estimates of mid October for this model.
$49 OFF
13-inch M4 iPad Pro Magic Keyboard for $299.99
MagSafe Charger
Amazon introduced a few deals on Apple's new lineup of MagSafe Chargers during Prime Day, and these deals have only gotten better. This weekend, you can get the 1-meter model for $29.00 and 2-meter model for $39.00, both $10 off and all-time low prices.
$10 OFF
1-meter MagSafe Charger for $29.00
$10 OFF
2-meter MagSafe Charger for $39.00
The new MagSafe Chargers provide overall faster charging speeds with compatible iPhone models. When paired with a 30W power adapter, iPhone 16 models can charge at up to 25W wirelessly over MagSafe, which is 10W faster than a regular non-MagSafe Qi2 wireless charger.
Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
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Things are firming up for a big Halloween week for Apple, with the company's next operating system updates reportedly coming early in the week and hardware launches coming a few days later.
Ahead of those hardware launches, we've recently seen what appears to be one of the most significant physical product leaks in years, while some of the new features in Apple's recent software updates have gained attention for their utility, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!
Apple Plans to Release iOS 18.1 With Apple Intelligence on October 28
iOS 18.1 has been in beta testing since before iOS 18.0 was released, as Apple has been working hard on refining the first Apple Intelligence features that will be included in the update, and it appears we now have a release date for iOS 18.1 and related updates: Monday, October 28.
Apple Intelligence features will be seeing a gradual rollout, so make sure to check out our overview of everything we're expecting to see for Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, plus a look at upcoming Apple Intelligence features that will be arriving in later updates.
Apple Potentially Facing Worst Leak Since iPhone 4 Was Left in a Bar
Over the past week or two, there have been growing claims of leaked units of the upcoming M4 MacBook Pro, and despite the box depicting the same wallpaper as on the current models, it's appearing increasingly likely that these leaked units are legitimate.
Following early blurry photos of the claimed box for one of the machines, a Russian YouTube channel has shared an unboxing video for the M4 MacBook Pro, revealing a number of improved specs compared to the current M3-based model. Aside from apparent faster speeds, RAM and port improvements, and the Space Black color option potentially trickling down to the base M4 version of the machine, it appears the machine may also support two external displays in addition to the internal display for the first time on a base M-series chip.
Gurman: Apple to Launch First M4 Macs and Potentially iPad Mini 7 on November 1
So when can we expect that M4 MacBook Pro and other new hardware to launch? Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says at least some of the rumored products are scheduled to launch on Friday, November 1, potentially following an introduction earlier that week.
In addition to a full range of 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models variously configured with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, we're also expecting a redesigned Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro chip options, an M4 iMac, and a seventh-generation iPad mini, though it's not confirmed if all of these will be available simultaneously on November 1.
Apple Watch Users Report Vitals App Detecting Illness Before Symptoms Appear
There's a new Vitals app in watchOS 11 that is impressing some users with its ability to potentially detect illnesses up to several days before noticeable symptoms appear.
The Vitals app brings together a number of key health metrics that are measured during sleep, and it can notify when one or more of these readings are outliers compared to your typical ranges, which can be a sign that you are getting sick.
It won't pick up every illness and it's not able to diagnose or help treat any specific illnesses, but it appears it may be able to provide a bit of warning in some cases to help users be more aware of changes in their health.
iOS 18: Send Messages Without a Wi-Fi or Cellular Connection
With a pair of major hurricanes striking the southeastern United States in recent weeks, taking down power lines and cell service, a new iOS 18 feature is gaining particular notice: Messages via satellite.
While iPhone 14 and newer models have already been able to take advantage of Emergency SOS and roadside assistance via satellite, iOS 18 expands those satellite capabilities to include standard iMessages and SMS texts, offering a way to get in touch with friends and family even when traditional networks are unavailable.
Apple Says Final iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle Models Are Now Obsolete
Apple discontinued the final iPod nano and iPod shuffle models way back in 2017, and that means Apple now considers them obsolete and thus ineglible for repairs at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers.
Both the iPod shuffle and the iPod nano were introduced in 2005 as smaller, cheaper music players in Apple's iPod lineup, and they both saw significant form factor evolutions over their lifespans with the final models debuting in mid-2015 before being discontinued two years later.
MacRumors Newsletter
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!
Tag: Top Stories
This article, "Top Stories: iOS 18.1 Release Date, New Macs Incoming, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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In iOS 18.1, there is a new option to set a "Primary" email address in the Settings app, which means it is easier to change the main email address associated with your Apple Account. The Primary email address is the one that is visible to other people when collaborating on and sharing documents, sending calendar invites, and more.
Apple did not previously make it easy to change an Apple Account (or Apple ID) email address, despite the fact that it is sometimes visible to other people. To change an Apple Account email before, you had to delete the email you were using, choose another, and go through a verification process.
You can now change the email address and continue to use the prior email for login purposes right alongside the new primary. This setting also comes with an option to change an iCloud.com or me.com email address, so if you have an address you're not fond of, it can finally be swapped to something else.
iCloud Mail address. You could set an alias and use that instead, but the primary email would still sometimes be visible to others. For those who have an embarrassing iCloud email address, there's now an option to change it entirely rather than relying on an alias.
(Thanks, Converseallstar95!)
Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
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Summaries and smart reply options aren't the flashiest of Apple Intelligence features, but these are capabilities that Apple is introducing in iOS 18.1 that have the potential to be useful for most people's day-to-day device usage.
Summaries
Summaries are available across the operating system and can be used in different ways for apps, notifications, emails, and more.
Mail and Messages
In your email inbox in the Mail app, you'll see an AI summary of the main content of the email message, so you can tell whether it's important at a glance. You don't get a lot of information, but it's enough to give context when the title doesn't unveil what an email is about. When you tap into an email, you can use the "Summarize" option at the top to get an overview.
You'll see summaries of incoming messages on the Lock Screen so you can decide whether it's important to respond. It's particularly useful for long messages, because it's good at pulling out the most important bits. You can also see summaries of unread messages right in the Messages app.
You can turn off Messages summaries by going to Settings > Apps > Messages and toggling off Summarize Messages. Turn off Mail summaries the same way, but in the Mail section.
Notifications
For almost all of your notifications, Apple Intelligence can group them up and give you a short, one-sentence summary of what's in them. Tapping expands the stack so you can see everything individually.
Notification summaries work for built-in apps like Messages, and also your third-party apps. Apple Intelligence tries to pick out what's most relevant. For messaging apps or email, it'll give a short summary of one or two messages, while aggregates like camera motion notifications are grouped up so you can see which areas had motion activations at a glance.
Notification summaries are automatic when you have Apple Intelligence on, but if you want to turn them off, you can do so by opening up the Settings app, going to Notifications, and turning off Summarize Previews. You can disable the feature entirely or on a per-app basis.
Safari
Safari supports a new Apple Intelligence Summary feature that lets you get an overview of webpages or articles. If you see a purple sparkle on the URL bar, you can tap it to view a summary.
Summaries are technically part of Reader Mode, but you don't always have to enter into Reader Mode to view one. Summaries show up automatically for longer articles, but if you're not seeing one, tap into Reader Mode and then tap on the Summarize button.
is part of Writing Tools.
Summaries tend to be a paragraph at most, so you're not always going to get a full picture of what's in an article. It's more of an overview to let you know whether it's worth reading.
Notes
In the Notes app, you can select text and choose the Writing Tools Summary option just like you can in Safari, but there are also summaries created for recorded phone call transcripts and transcripts of voice memo recordings captured with the Notes app.
In a note with a recording, tap into it and you'll see a "Summary" option at the top that you can choose to get a summary of a transcript. Note that phone call recording, voice memos in notes, and transcripts of those recordings are available to everyone. It's only the summary feature that's an Apple Intelligence feature.
Other Apps
In all apps, you can select any text and use Writing Tools to generate a summary of that text, just like you can in Safari and Notes.
Smart Replies
Smart Replies are a feature in Mail and Messages, and you'll see them in the suggestions bar above the keyboard.
Smart Replies can be useful when you're replying to a message that has a clear question in it, such as "Do you want to go to the movies tonight?" or "Did you see [insert popular TV show here] last night?"
It is less useful for most other responses. Smart Replies don't seem to learn from individual tone or voice, and most of the time, the suggestions don't always sound like they came from a human. It tends to use a lot of "haha" responses and exclamation points, and when it's not suggesting haha as a reply, it's often rephrasing what the other person said, which is not generally how people respond to messages.
How Useful Are These Features?
Smart Replies and other Apple Intelligence features are in beta right now, and will be released in a beta capacity, too. Summaries have room for improvement in terms of thoroughness, but the option is already useful, particularly when viewing notifications on the Lock Screen or scrolling through your email messages.
Summaries for longer form content could stand to be more detailed, and right now, you're only going to get a high level overview.
Siri features are released next year. Right now, Smart Replies can almost be more of an annoyance, but we are in the very early days of Apple Intelligence.
Apple Intelligence Requirements
To use the summary and smart reply Apple Intelligence features, you need a device capable of Apple Intelligence. That includes the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, any iPhone 16 model, any iPad with an M-series chip, and any Mac with an M-series chip.
Apple Intelligence features do not work on any other devices because of the processing power and memory required.
Release Date
Apple Intelligence is in the iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 betas at the current time. The betas are available to developers and public beta testers, and the updates are expected to see a release on Monday, October 28.
Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
This article, "Apple Intelligence: What to Know About Summaries and Smart Replies" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Apple sells two external displays, including the Pro Display XDR and the Studio Display, but neither has received hardware upgrades in years. In fact, the Pro Display XDR is nearly five years old, having been released all the way back in December 2019.
Below, we recap rumors about potential next-generation Pro Display XDR and Studio Display monitors, but nothing seems to be imminent.
Pro Display XDR
Released alongside the 2019 Mac Pro, the high-end Pro Display XDR features a 32-inch screen with LED backlighting, 6K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, P3 wide color, up to 1,600 nits of brightness, one Thunderbolt 3 port, and three USB-C ports. In the U.S., the monitor still starts at $4,999, while the optional Pro Stand costs $999 extra.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple was working on an updated version of the Pro Display XDR with an Apple silicon chip, something the current model lacks. In the Studio Display, an A13 Bionic chip powers features such as Center Stage camera framing, spatial audio, and Siri voice commands. However, there have not been any recent rumors about a new Pro Display XDR, so it's unclear what Apple's current plans are.
Additional features that customers are hoping for with the next Pro Display XDR include a built-in camera, speakers, and a higher refresh rate.
Studio Display
on sale on Amazon for $1,349 as of writing.
working on multiple new external monitors, but he did not specifically mention a new Studio Display. In July 2023, Gurman said Apple's next-generation monitors could launch in 2024 at the earliest, but there are only a few months left in the year and there have been no recent rumors.
on-again, off-again rumors about Apple planning a new 27-inch external display with mini-LED backlighting, which would allow for increased brightness and higher contrast ratio. In April 2023, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the display was slated for mass production in 2024 or early 2025. It is unclear if this monitor would be the next Studio Display, or if it would have different branding.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Related Roundups: Apple Pro Display XDR, Apple Studio Display
Related Forum: Mac Accessories
This article, "Apple's Pro Display XDR is Nearly Five Years Old With No Update in Sight" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Just over six months after Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple abandoned its plans to release an electric vehicle, California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) canceled Apple's autonomous vehicle testing permit, according to macReports.
The report states that the DMV received confirmation from Apple to cancel the permit on September 25, and the permit became canceled as of September 27. While this decision is not surprising given Gurman's reporting earlier this year, this is effectively the final nail in the coffin for Apple's decade-long electric vehicle project.
macReports said that it would have been active until April 30, 2025 had it not been canceled.
using leased Lexus SUVs equipped with an array of sensors and cameras to test various autonomous driving technologies on California streets.
Apple Car roundup for more details about the canceled project.
Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech Industry
This article, "Apple Cancels Self-Driving Vehicle Testing Permit in California After Abandoning Car Project" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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This week was Amazon's second Prime Day of 2024, and even though it's technically come to a close, there are still plenty of Apple discounts that remain live. This includes record low prices on the AirPods Max, Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Ultra 2, iPad, and more.
AirPods
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.
The only Prime Day deals for AirPods still around are for both AirPods Max models, and they're both all-time low prices for each pair of headphones.
$155 OFF
AirPods Max (Lightning) for $394.99
$51 OFF
AirPods Max (USB-C) for $497.99
Apple Watch
Top Apple Watch deals during Prime Day included the Apple Watch SE available from $169.99 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Black for $729.99. Both of these are all-time low prices on each model.
$79 OFF
Apple Watch SE (40mm GPS) for $169.99
$79 OFF
Apple Watch SE (44mm GPS) for $199.99
$70 OFF
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Black) for $729.99
9th Gen iPad
You can get the 64GB Wi-Fi 9th generation iPad for $199.99 in both colors, down from $329.00. This is a match of the record low price on this version of the 2021 tablet.
$129 OFF
9th Gen iPad (64GB Wi-Fi) for $199.99
MacBook Air
MacBook Air discounts were abundant this Prime Day, with both M2 and M3 models getting huge markdowns on Amazon. You can still get the M2 model at an all-time low price of $749.00 today on Amazon.
$250 OFF
13-inch M2 MacBook Air (256GB) for $749.00
Apple Pencil
One of the best accessory deals this week is on the Apple Pencil Pro, now down to $96.00, from $129.00. This is a record low price on the Apple Pencil Pro.
$33 OFF
Apple Pencil Pro for $96.00
MagSafe Charger
Amazon this week introduced a few deals on Apple's new lineup of MagSafe Chargers, including the 1-meter model for $31.00 and 2-meter model for $39.00. At $8 and $10 off, respectively, these are new record low prices for each model.
$8 OFF
1-meter MagSafe Charger for $31.00
$10 OFF
2-meter MagSafe Charger for $39.00
Beats
$79.99, down from $149.95. The newer Beats Studio Buds+ are on sale for $129.99, down from $169.95.
UP TO 51% OFF
Beats Headphones for Prime Day
$169.99, down from $349.99, which is a new record low price. You can also get the Beats Solo 4 Headphones for $99.99, down from $199.99 and the Beats Fit Pro for $149.99, down from $199.99.
Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "The Best Prime Day Deals You Can Still Get on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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