Apple to Launch 'Find My' Network in South Korea Next Spring
Apple has announced it will finally introduce its popular 'Find My' network to South Korea in the spring of 2025, after apparently overcoming local regulatory hurdles. The launch will bring the full range of Apple's location-based ‌Find My‌ services to South Korean customers for the first time, enabling them to keep track of devices, belongings, and loved ones. Last July, a petition on Korea's National Assembly Electronic Petition website called for the introduction of Apple's ‌Find My‌ service in the country, garnering over 9,000 signatures. The petitioner highlighted the frustration experienced by Korean users who lost their devices but were unable to use the ‌Find My‌ app to locate them. Apple previously said that the limitation was its inability to export high-precision map data out of the country because of local laws, but Korea also has strict privacy regulations that it may have come up against. However, the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) responded positively to the petition, while its acting chairman Kim Tae-gyu expressed support for bringing the ‌Find My‌ service to South Korea, stating that the commission had been in ongoing talks with Apple about the timing of its introduction. With the ‌Find My‌ network enabled, users will be able to to locate their iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple devices, as well as AirTag-connected personal items and third-party ‌Find My‌ compatible trackers, while maintaining strong privacy protections. One of the main features of the ‌Find My‌ network is its ability to pinpoint lost devices on a map, providing users with step-by-step directions to retrieve their misplaced items. The app also allows users to trigger a sound on their lost Apple devices, making it easier to locate them when in close proximity. ‌Find My‌ also lets users stay connected with friends and family by opting to share their location with specific contacts. This can be useful when meeting up in crowded areas, particularly for owners of an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro, who can take advantage of the Precision Finding capability to navigate directly to their friends' exact locations. The original "‌Find My‌ iPhone" app was launched in 2009 alongside ‌iPhone‌ OS 3. "‌Find My‌ Mac" was added to OS X 10.7 Lion in 2011, while "‌Find My‌ Friends" was released in October 2011. With the release of iOS 13 and macOS 10.15 Catalina, the functionality of ‌Find My‌ ‌iPhone‌, ‌Find My‌ Mac, and ‌Find My‌ Friends was unified into the app we know today as ‌Find My‌. Tags: Find My, South KoreaThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Anker Launches Latest MagGo Charging Accessories With Qi2
Popular accessory company Anker is launching the latest updates to its MagGo lineup today, showing off a series of five products largely based around Qi2 wireless charging technology that supports magnetic connections and up to 15 watts of charging power, just like Apple's MagSafe standard. MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) As the name suggests, this is a Qi2 magnetic power bank that sticks onto the back of your iPhone and offers 10,000 mAh of charge. I've been testing this one out for a few days, and the 10K capacity is really handy with my iPhone 15 Pro Max. Most magnetic power banks like this only have 5,000 mAh of capacity, which is generally sufficient to help me get through a busy day but not enough for a full extra charge. The 10K bank offers a full charge for my ‌iPhone‌ with more to spare, so it's great for the longest and most intense days or even an overnight trip where other charging options might not be convenient. It's unsurprisingly a bit larger than 5K ‌MagSafe‌/Qi2 banks I've used, which is fine on my Pro Max model but could be less comfortable to hold attached to a smaller phone. It's also quite hefty, weighing in at just over 200 grams (7.25 oz). That's almost as heavy as the ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max itself, so it definitely makes things feel rather heavy if you're using the phone while charging, but it's great when in a pocket or bag. On the plus side, the power bank is remarkably thin for its capacity at just under 1.5 cm, actually coming in a bit thinner than some of the Anker 5K banks I've used in the past. The design is an obtrusive matte white plastic on both sides, with one side having ‌MagSafe‌/Qi2 alignment markings and the other having subtle Anker branding. The edges are a matte aluminum, which adds a bit of style. A button on one side activates a series of four LEDs along the bottom edge for a rough gauge of charge level, and there's a USB-C port along that same bottom edge to recharge the power bank. Passthrough charging is supported, so both your phone and the power bank can charge over that single connection. The MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) is priced at $74.99 and is available in black and white, with pink and green options coming soon. A USB-C to USB-C cable is included in the box. MagGo Power Bank (10K, 35W, For Apple Watch) This is a versatile 10,000 mAh power bank that follows a design trend used by several other recent Anker power banks by including a short integrated USB-C cable that doubles as a lanyard for the bank. Part of what differentiates this model is the inclusion of an Apple Watch charging puck that folds nearly flat into the body of the power bank or which can be lifted to any angle up to 90 degrees if you prefer to use Nightstand mode for your watch. In addition to the integrated USB-C cable, there's a second USB-C port for even more charging flexibility, and both the integrated cable and the port support bidirectional charge flow, so either one can be used to charge devices or to recharge the power bank. The 10,000 mAh capacity can easily recharge an ‌iPhone‌ Pro Max and an Apple Watch from empty and still have charge left over, so it's a great travel companion. Another neat feature that Anker has been incorporating into its accessories recently is a display, which shows not only the exact charge percentage of the power bank but also an estimate of the time remaining to reach full while it's recharging, and even input and output wattage for each connection. Cleverly, the orientation of the display automatically rotates depending on whether you're using the Apple Watch charging puck, providing an optimal viewing angle regardless of how you're using the power bank. The MagGo Power Bank (10K, 35W, For Apple Watch) is priced at $79.99 and is available in black or white, with pink and green options similarly coming later this year. MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) This is a compact foldable charging station for ‌iPhone‌, Apple Watch, and AirPods, delivering up to 15 watts to an ‌iPhone‌ via Qi2, and then 5 watts each to a second Qi pad capable of charging compatible AirPods cases and an Apple Watch charging puck. It comes with a 5-foot USB-C to USB-C cable and a power adapter. The whole thing folds up tightly for travel and the flexible connectors between the charging modules allow you to either lay your Apple Watch flat or prop it up for Nightstand mode. The MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) is priced at $89.99 and is available in black or white, with pink and green options coming soon. MagGo Wireless Charger (Stand) This is a simple desktop charging stand with Qi2 charging technology to support up to 15 watts. The minimalist design includes a mechanical rotation system for the charging pad assembly, allowing you to easily fine tune your phone angle without needing to adjust your phone's connection to the charger. The pad itself can rotate 360º, while the angle can be adjusted over a range of 70º. A 5-foot USB-C to USB-C cable is included in the box, but you'll have to provide your own power adapter. The MagGo Wireless Charger (Stand) is priced at $35.99 and is available in black or white. MagGo Magnetic Case with Stand (360° Ring Stand, For iPhone) An updated version of similar previous products from Anker, this ‌iPhone‌ case includes a swing-out ring that serves as a stand for your phone when watching video or participating in video calls, or as a grip. The ring rotates 360º and folds flush into the rear of the case, allowing ‌MagSafe‌/Qi2 accessories to connect to your phone even with the case on. Enhanced 12N magnets in the case provide a strong hold, ensuring your phone stays connected to those accessories through the case. The MagGo Magnetic Case with Stand (360° Ring Stand, For iPhone) is priced at $32.99, with versions currently available for the ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌, ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max, and upcoming iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and ‌iPhone 16 Pro‌ Max models. Note: Anker provided MacRumors with several MagGo accessories for the purposes of this news coverage. No other compensation was received. 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.Tag: AnkerThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Apple Releases First Firmware Update for Beats Studio Buds +
Apple today released new firmware for the Beats Studio Buds +, marking the first firmware update to the earbuds since their 2023 launch. There is no word on what the new firmware includes in terms of features or bug fixes, and Apple does not provide release notes. The Beats Studio Buds + are Apple's mid-range Beats earbuds, featuring Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, microphones, battery life, and more. The earbuds come in several colors, including a unique transparent design that shows the internals. As with most of the latest Beats models, the Studio Buds + do not include an Apple audio chip, and are instead equipped with acustom Beats chip that provides better feature parity between iOS and Android devices. The Beats chip supports one-touch pairing and setup, Find My integration, and Siri support, but automatic switching between devices is not available. The firmware update for the Beats Studio + are delivered over-the-air. Firmware will be installed while the Beats headphones are charging and are in Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi. On Android devices, users will need to download the Beats app for Android and connect the Android device to a power outlet to initiate a firmware update.Tag: BeatsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

When to Expect iOS 18 on Your iPhone as Beta Testing Wraps Up
iOS 18 has been in beta testing for nearly three months, and the software update should finally be widely released later this month. Below, we outline when to expect iOS 18 to be available on all compatible iPhones. iOS 18: Beta Testing Wraps Up In his Power On newsletter last weekend, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said iOS 18 beta 8 will likely be the final developer beta version for the update. This is a reasonable prediction, as previous updates like iOS 17, iOS 16, and iOS 15 each had a total of eight developer betas. iOS 12 was the last update with at least nine developer betas. If history repeats itself, Apple should release the iOS 18 Release Candidate immediately following the iPhone 16 event on September 9. Apple considers a Release Candidate to be a "near final" version of an upcoming iOS update. iOS 18: Release Timing Apple will likely announce a release date for iOS 18 during its September 9 event. The update is most likely to be released on Monday, September 16, but Tuesday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 18 are also possibilities. Gurman said Apple has already been installing iOS 18 on iPhone 16 models at factories. Those devices will likely be released on Friday, September 20. iOS 18: Compatible iPhones iOS 18 is compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17 is:iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone XS iPhone XS Max iPhone XR iPhone SE (2nd generation or later) iOS 18 will be available in the Settings app under General → Software Update.Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Apple Music Introduces Five New 'Find Your Mood' Stations
Apple Music today introduced five new mood stations that allow you to shuffle through songs fitting for a certain mood. The stations are available to Apple Music subscribers worldwide in the Music app under Home → Find Your Mood. Apple says the mood stations are personalized based on your Apple Music listening history, and they are always updating with new songs. The new stations: Feel Good: Happy music with a positive vibe Energy: Upbeat music to get you moving Relax: Music that helps you find peace in the moment Focus: Music to help you lock-in to the task at hand Feeling Blue: Moody music that helps you lean into feeling down These five new stations join the "Love" and "Heartbreak" stations that launched earlier this year.Tag: Apple MusicThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Beats Teases New Powerbeats Pro 2 Coming Next Year
Beats today teased that new Powerbeats Pro 2 are coming next year, but it did not share a specific release date for the wireless headphones. MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani can be seen wearing the Powerbeats Pro 2 in a clip shared on social media platforms like Instagram and X. They look similar to the existing Powerbeats Pro released in 2019, but have a more vertical, slimmer design. Beats did not reveal any new features or other specific details about the Powerbeats Pro 2 at this time. Powerbeats Pro are a sportier, fitness-focused version of AirPods Pro with built-in, adjustable ear hooks for a secure fit. Key features of the current Powerbeats Pro include the H1 chip that debuted in the AirPods 2, IPX4-rated sweat and water resistance, up to nine hours of battery life, and silicone ear tips with four size options. Built for Shohei Ohtani. pic.twitter.com/78Vz7ondq5— Beats by Dre (@beatsbydre) September 4, 2024 While we do not know what to expect from the Powerbeats Pro 2 at this time, plausible upgrades based on other Beats headphones models released over the past two years include improved sound, longer battery life, a USB-C charging case, and improved cross-platform compatibility with Android features like Find My Device. Beats will likely continue to tease the Powerbeats Pro 2 headphones over time, so we should learn more about them in the coming months.Tags: Beats, Powerbeats ProThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 16: 30+ Upgrades to Expect
After over a year of reports, there are now 20 specific rumors about the features and improvements set to be offered by the two non-Pro iPhone 16 models upon their announcement next week. While the upgrades that the ‌iPhone 16‌ offers over the iPhone 15 will likely be at the center of Apple's marketing strategy later this year, many users are on two-year upgrade cycles, so the features introduced on both the ‌iPhone 15‌ and ‌iPhone 16‌ will stack up. All of the changes the ‌iPhone 16‌ models are expected to feature compared to their two direct forerunners are listed below, using information from a range of reliable sources that we have previously covered, here on MacRumors. We will continue to update this article as more rumors emerge prior to Apple's "It's Glowtime" event on Monday, September 9. This guide focuses on the iPhone 14 and ‌iPhone 16‌, but to learn about how we are expecting the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro to improve on the iPhone 16 Pro, see our other comparison article. Design The ‌iPhone 16‌ and ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus are expected to largely carry over the design of their predecessors. As a result, the ‌iPhone 16‌ will be a relatively significant evolution over the ‌‌iPhone 14‌‌, featuring slightly rounded edges, a frosted glass back, and a vertical rear camera arrangement to facilitate spatial video capture. Other important design changes are expected to include the removal of the mute switch in favor of the Action button introduced on last year's Pro models and the introduction of an all-new "Capture" button. ‌iPhone 14‌ ‌iPhone 16‌ Aluminum chassis with squared-off edges Aluminum chassis with contoured edges Glossy glass back Color-infused frosted glass back "Notch" TrueDepth camera array Dynamic Island Diagonally arranged rear camera array Vertically arranged rear camera array to support spatial video capture Ring/Silent switch Action Button "Capture Button" to trigger photography and videography features Lightning port USB-C port Displays For ‌iPhone 14‌ users, the ‌iPhone 16‌ will offer many of the display upgrades that came to the previous generation, as well as a more efficient OLED panel thanks to micro-lens technology. ‌iPhone 14‌ ‌iPhone 16‌ More efficient OLED display with brighter micro-lens technology 800 nits max brightness (typical) 1,000 nits max brightness (typical) 1,200 nits peak brightness (HDR) 1,600 nits peak brightness (HDR) 2,000 nits peak brightness (outdoor) Cameras The ‌iPhone 15‌ introduced a major camera upgrade for Apple's standard smartphone lineup, bringing over the 48-megapixel camera of the ‌iPhone 14‌ Pro. With a number of other improvements such as spatial video capture, the ‌iPhone 16‌ should be a significant camera upgrade over the ‌iPhone 14‌. ‌iPhone 14‌ ‌iPhone 16‌ 12-megapixel main camera with ƒ/1.5 aperture 48-megapixel main camera with ƒ/1.6 aperture 0.5x and 1x optical zoom options 0.5x, 1x, and 2x optical zoom options 24- and 48-megapixel super-high-resolution photos Smart HDR 4 Smart HDR 5 Portrait mode with Focus and Depth Control Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control Night mode and Night mode portraits Improved Night mode and Night mode portraits Spatial video capture Chip, Memory, and Connectivity With the ‌iPhone 16‌ models rumored to receive the same A18 chip as the Pro models to support Apple Intelligence, the new models could offer a major performance improvement over the ‌iPhone 14‌, which features the A15 Bionic chip first introduced in 2021. The 2GB of additional memory and the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip are also due to be notable upgrades. ‌iPhone 14‌ ‌iPhone 16‌ A15 Bionic chip (TSMC's "N5P" enhanced 5nm process) A18 chip (TSMC's "N3E" enhanced 3nm process) 16-core Neural Engine Enhanced neural Engine with "significantly" more cores to support Apple Intelligence 6GB memory 8GB memory (+33%) Wi-Fi 6 connectivity Wi-Fi 6E connectivity First-generation Ultra Wideband chip Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip (connects from 3x further away) Precision Finding for Find My friends Batteries and Charging The ‌iPhone 16‌ models could receive some major improvements in battery technology and charging, sporting denser batteries and faster charging capabilities. It is worth noting that the ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus is rumored to feature a smaller battery than its predecessors, but it is not clear how this will affect actual battery life. ‌iPhone 14‌ ‌iPhone 16‌ Single-layer battery technology Stacked battery technology for increased energy density and prolonged lifespan iPhone 14: 3,279 mAh battery iPhone 14 Plus: 4,325 mAh battery iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh battery iPhone 16 Plus: 4,006 mAh battery Up to 27W wired charging Up to 40W wired charging (48% faster) 15W charging via MagSafe 20W charging via ‌MagSafe‌ (33% faster) Setting to prevent charging above 80% Battery manufacture date, first use, and cycle count information in Settings Other Features and Changes The ‌iPhone 16‌ will be the first standard-line iPhone to support Apple Intelligence, Apple's upcoming artificial intelligence system, thanks to the more powerful Neural Engine in the A18 chip. The device is also rumored to tout upgraded microphones and new color options. ‌iPhone 14‌ ‌iPhone 16‌ Support for Apple Intelligence Microphone Upgraded microphone with improved signal-to-noise ratio and water resistance Improved audio quality on phone calls Available in Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED, Blue, Purple, and Yellow Available in Blue, Pink, Green, Black, and White Will It Be Worth Upgrading? The ‌‌iPhone 15‌ was a fairly significant upgrade over the ‌‌iPhone 14‌‌ in 2023, introducing a more modern design with the ‌Dynamic Island‌, a USB-C port, and a 48-megapixel camera. The ‌‌iPhone 16‌ will build on these upgrades, offering the Capture and Action buttons, Apple Intelligence, and spatial video capture. With over 30 upgrades rumored to be in store, many ‌current ‌iPhone 14‌‌ users will find upgrading to an ‌‌iPhone 16‌ model worthwhile, if not essential. Release Date The ‌iPhone 16‌ and ‌iPhone 16‌ Plus are expected to be announced at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event on Monday, September 9. Pre-orders are likely to open on Friday, September 13, with launch following one week later on Friday, September 20. For more information about the ‌iPhone 16‌ models, see our comprehensive roundup.Related Roundups: iPhone 14, iPhone 16Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Bluetooth 6 Launches, Could Enhance iPhone's Precision Finding Feature
The latest version of Bluetooth was released this week, and it includes a new feature that could benefit the Find My app across Apple devices. Bluetooth 6.0 introduces "Channel Sounding," a feature that will bring "true distance awareness" to billions of Bluetooth devices and accessories. The organization behind Bluetooth promises that this technology will

Read more »

You Can Get $130 Off Every 9th Gen iPad, Starting at Just $199
You can still get Apple's 64GB Wi-Fi 9th generation iPad for the all-time low price of $199.00 this week on Amazon, down from $329.00. Shipping dates have slipped into mid-September, but Prime members can still get the tablet as soon as September 10. 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 64GB Wi-Fi iPad model is available in both Space Gray and Silver on Amazon, but if you're looking for the 256GB Wi-Fi model you'll need to visit Best Buy. That retailer has the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad for $349.99, another $130 discount and record low price. $130 OFFiPad (64GB Wi-Fi) for $199.00 $130 OFFiPad (256GB Wi-Fi) for $349.99 Best Buy also has the cellular models on sale for best-ever prices this week. The 64GB cellular iPad is on sale for $329.99, and the 256GB cellular iPad is on sale for $479.99. Both of these deals represent $130 discounts on each model. Although these iPads are a few years old at this point, today's ultra-low prices should make them perfect for anyone looking for a simple and cheap iPad for daily Internet browsing. Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

AirPods 4 Rumors: Everything We Know So Far
Apple introduced the third-generation AirPods almost three years ago. An all new model is now slated to launch at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event on September 9 with a range of improvements and new features. Many of the changes and improvements introduced with the third-generation AirPods originated on the first-generation AirPods Pro. As such, it seems likely that many of the upgrades coming to the fourth-generation AirPods will be shaped by the second-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌. Our best indications so far about what to expect come from a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman published last year. Two Models Apple is rumored to be working on two versions of the fourth-generation AirPods targeting different price points. The company is apparently aiming to replace both the third-generation AirPods and the lower-priced second-generation AirPods that it continues to sell. Currently, there is little difference between the AirPods 2 and ‌AirPods 3‌ beyond their designs. Two features that have been limited to the ‌‌‌AirPods Pro‌‌‌ so far will purportedly come to the higher-end version of the AirPods: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and a speaker in the charging case that can play a sound for easy location. Design Changes The next-generation AirPods are rumored to feature an updated design, looking like a cross between the current AirPods and the ‌AirPods Pro‌, with slightly shorter stems. Fit is expected to be improved, but it is still unclear if Apple will add silicone ear tips. H2 Chip One of the key aspects the next-generation AirPods are likely to bring over from the second-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌ is the H2 chip. Both the second- and third-generation AirPods feature the H1 chip. Apple says the H2 chip provides an "exceptional acoustic experience" when paired with a new low-distortion audio driver and custom amplifier in the ‌AirPods Pro‌. The ‌‌AirPods Pro‌‌ offer richer bass and clearer sound across a wider range of frequencies partly due to the computational audio improvements facilitated by the H2 chip, so similar enhancements seem highly likely to come to the fourth-generation AirPods. There could also be improvements to Personalized Spatial Audio, faster pairing and device switching, and persistent battery information thanks to the H2 chip. Bluetooth 5.3 In the ‌AirPods Pro‌, the H2 chip is accompanied by Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. Many of Apple's products now feature Bluetooth 5.3, so the fourth-generation AirPods are highly likely to receive this upgrade. Bluetooth 5.3 offers faster and more reliable connectivity with Bluetooth accessories, as well as improved power efficiency, which can contribute to longer battery life. Longer Battery Life The H2 chip is more power efficient than the H1 chip in the second- and third-generation AirPods. In the ‌AirPods Pro‌, the H2 chip and Bluetooth 5.3 provide an additional hour and a half of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled compared to the previous generation. Applied to the standard AirPods, this could translate to a battery life increase from five hours to around six and a half hours. Improved Audio Quality The fourth-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌ are expected to offer improved audio quality compared to their predecessors, perhaps enabled by the design tweaks or improved computational audio thanks to the H2 chip. Volume Controls It is also possible that the AirPods could gain touch-based volume controls like the ‌AirPods Pro‌. To turn the volume up or down, users simply place their thumb on the stem of either AirPod and use their index finger to swipe up or down on the small touch control area. That being said, Apple could regard on-device volume controls as a high-end feature reserved for the ‌AirPods Pro‌ and AirPods Max, meaning that the fourth-generation AirPods could still miss out on this feature. Find My Improvements The MagSafe Charging Case is also likely to get several improvements to integrate more deeply with Find My. The second-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌ introduced two key features in this area: The U1 chip for Precision Tracking and a built-in speaker. Currently, your iPhone or iPad can help guide you to their location in the ‌Find My‌ app, but this is a limited experience on the current model, simply indicating whether or not they are nearby. The U1 chip would allow your ‌iPhone‌ to show an arrow pointing in the specific direction of your AirPods, an approximate distance telling you how far away they are, and even a message saying if they are located on a different floor. Similarly, you can currently play a sound on your AirPods to help you find them, but this is played through the earbuds. If the earbuds are inside the charging case, it is likely the sound will be quite muffled. With the latest generation ‌AirPods Pro‌, Apple added a speaker to the charging case itself, allowing users to more clearly hear a location alert from their AirPods, and even locate the case when it is separate from the earbuds. An identical speaker is expected to come to the high-end version of the standard AirPods in their next iteration. It is also worth noting that the lanyard loop on the ‌AirPods Pro‌ doubles as an antenna for the U1 chip, so this small feature could also be coming to the next-generation AirPods if they do offer Precision Tracking. Apple Watch Charger Compatibility The third-generation AirPods can charge via ‌MagSafe‌, a Qi wireless charger, or a Lightning cable. With its latest ‌AirPods Pro‌ model, Apple added the ability to use an Apple Watch charger as an additional charging method. Apple does not seem to regard charging technologies as "Pro"-exclusive features, so, as a basic utility, it seems likely that this added charging method will come to the fourth-generation AirPods to provide even more versatility. Hearing Aid Functionality In a software update coming later next year, Apple will apparently add hearing aid functionality, allowing AirPods to serve as an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing alternative to traditional hearing aids. The FDA in 2022 approved OTC hearing aid options, paving the way for Apple to market the AirPods for hearing loss. Apple also allegedly plans to offer hearing tests that would tell AirPods users if they are experiencing hearing loss. USB-C Port Like the most recent ‌iPhone‌ models and the USB-C ‌AirPods Pro‌, the fourth-generation AirPods are expected to include a USB-C port for charging. Release Date The fourth-generation AirPods are widely expected to be announced at Apple's "It's Glowtime" event on Monday, September 9 alongside the iPhone 16 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the third-generation Apple Watch SE. Third-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌ are also in the works, but they are not expected to launch until a later date.Related Roundup: AirPods 3Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Don't Buy)Related Forum: AirPodsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Spotify Globally Rolls Out 'Daylist' Playlists That Adapt to Your Listening Habits Throughout the Day
Spotify is globally rolling out "Daylist," a personalized playlist that adapts and evolves to your listening habits as you go about your day. Available to both free and paying users, the playlist has actually been available in English-speaking markets since September of last year, and expanded to 65 more countries in March. Today, the company is adding support for 14 additional languages, making Daylist accessible to all markets in which Spotify is available. According to TechCrunch, Daylist is now available in Arabic, Catalan, French (Canada), French (France), German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Mexico), and Turkish. To access the Daylist in Spotify, navigate to the "Made for You" section in the app, or use this link if you're on the web. According to Spotify, the playlist uses data from "niche music and microgenres" that users listen to at certain times of the day to suggest tracks and update itself. Graphics for the Daylist also adapt throughout the day. Individual Daylist playlists can also be saved by tapping the three dot menu, selecting "Add to Playlist", and then tapping "New Playlist." Daylists also include a built-in sharing feature designed for social media that comes with a ready-made screenshot, personalized sticker, or customizable sharecard. Tag: SpotifyThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Instagram Now Lets Users Leave Comments on Ephemeral Stories
Instagram has announced support for leaving comments on Stories, the ephemeral posts that have become almost as popular as regular Instagram posts. Previously, the only option was to send a private reply, which appeared as a direct message visible solely to the Story's creator. Now, Instagram has introduced a more public option: Comments. These comments are visible to other users, unlike the private replies. However, the ability to comment comes with restrictions. Only mutual followers (meaning people who follow the Story creator and are followed back by them) can leave comments. Instagram says the new feature aims to offer a more open way to engage with Stories, while still maintaining the original private messaging option for those who prefer one-on-one interactions. Like the Stories themselves, comments posted about them are temporary and last for up to 24 hours. Users have the option to turn comments on or off when sharing Stories, but Instagram has not said whether they are archived along with a Story when it reaches its end of life. Last month, Instagram added support for adding text and additional images to photo and carousel posts, which can now include up to 20 photos and videos. It also recently introduced a feature for adding a song to an Instagram profile. Tag: InstagramThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

iPhone 16 Apple Silicone Cases Have No Cutout for New Capture Button
Apple is introducing a new camera-based "Capture" button on at least some iPhone 16 models this year, and a new rumor claims that Apple's own silicone cases will have a design that is specially made so as not to impede the use of the capacitive button's multiple functions. Several rumors have suggested that the iPhone 16 models are going to have an all-new button that's designed to make it easier to capture photos when the devices are held in landscape mode. Apple plans to put the button on the right side of the ‌iPhone‌, in the space where the mmWave antenna is on iPhones that are sold in the United States. As a capacitive button geared towards fine-grained photography controls, it is said to have support for multiple gestures and the ability to respond to pressure. In a new post on X (Twitter), Chinese leaker DuanRui shared an image of unofficial third-party silicone cases with an opening in the expected location of the Capture button. In machine-translated comment on the image, DuanRui noted that "the official protective case of Apple's iPhone 16 series will not have this opening and will be made into an integrated design, which will not affect the normal use of this capacitive button." The Capture Button has been depicted in CAD renders and dummy models of all four ‌iPhone‌ devices, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman last week suggested that there is a possibility that it will only be available on the Pro models. 据说，苹果 iPhone 16 系列官方保护壳，没有这个开孔，会做成一体式设计，还不会影响这颗电容式按键正常使用。 pic.twitter.com/uSkaQqwXFe— DuanRui段锐 (@duanrui1205) September 4, 2024 Along with a Capture Button, the ‌iPhone 16‌ models will feature slightly bigger displays on the Pro devices, a new A18 chip that supports Apple Intelligence, and 8GB RAM for all models, which is necessary to power Apple's AI models. For more on what's expected to be revealed at Apple's upcoming "It's Glowtime" event on September 9, make sure to check out our iPhone 16 roundup.Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 ProTag: DuanRuiThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

New iPhone 16 Pro 2TB Storage Option: All the Rumors In Favor
As Apple's iPhone 16 launch approaches, questions are swirling about a potential leap in storage capacity for the iPhone 16 Pro models. According to a January report, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will double their maximum storage to 2TB. This speculation stems from Apple's rumored adoption of Quad-Level Cell (QLC) NAND flash memory. QLC technology could allow Apple to pack more storage into a smaller space while potentially reducing costs compared to the current Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND. However, it's crucial to approach these rumors with caution. Similar claims about 2TB options surfaced for both the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro, which ultimately proved false. Yet despite this history, there are new factors that lend credibility to the latest 2TB rumors. The iPhone 16 Pro models are reportedly set to receive significant camera upgrades that could justify the need for increased storage. Rumors suggest an improved ultra-wide camera with a 48-megapixel sensor, featuring the same pixel-binning technology as the main camera. This upgrade, combined with a wider f/2.2 aperture, promises substantially better low-light performance and support for 48-megapixel ProRaw photography. Apple is also said to be introducing a new image format called "JPEG-XL." This addition to the existing lineup of HEIF, JPEG, HEIF Max, ProRaw, and ProRAW Max formats could potentially result in larger file sizes, making increased storage more necessary. The rumored capability to shoot 3K video at 120 frames per second with Dolby Vision on the Pro models would also generate significantly larger files. Last but not least, Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a dedicated "Capture Button" for the iPhone 16 Pro models, emphasizing the device's role as a serious photography and video capture device. Taken together, this collective push towards professional-grade image and video capabilities could justify the need for increased storage options. While the prospect of a 2TB iPhone is exciting, especially for content creators and power users, it's important to bear in mind that QLC NAND does have drawbacks. Most notably, it typically offers slower read and write speeds compared to TLC NAND. iPhone 16 Launch Month Is Here: Everything We Know As we await official announcements from Apple during its upcoming "It's Glowtime" event on September 9, the possibility of a 2TB iPhone 16 Pro Max remains an intriguing, if uncertain, prospect. Whether this will be the year Apple finally breaks the storage barrier remains to be seen, but the combination of new hardware features and evolving storage technology certainly makes it a possibility. And if it doesn't happen, there's always hope for next year.Related Roundup: iPhone 16 ProThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

This Case Turns Your iPhone Into a Game Boy for Retro Gaming
Bitmo Lab today introduced the GameBaby, a case that's perfect for playing retro games on an iPhone. The GameBaby is a clever two-part accessory that adds a d-pad and buttons to the ‌iPhone‌ for gaming, and works as a protective case for day-to-day use. The lower part of the case can be detached from the upper part and placed on the front of the ‌iPhone‌, providing a physical interface that's ideal for retro games that have recently been made available on iOS through emulators like Delta. When you're not gaming, it pops off and can be attached to the back of the phone, for protection with added gaming functionality. The case does not have power and does not connect to the ‌iPhone‌ in any way, which suggests they are capacitive and designed to activate on-screen buttons. According to Bitmo Lab, the case is compatible with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advanced and NES button layouts, with custom emulator skins that offer "perfect compatibility" across different handheld console layouts. The GameBaby has specifically been designed to work with the layouts made available through the Delta emulator. It will be available for the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The GameBaby can be pre-ordered for $20 for the first 1,000 units, with the pre-order price going up to $25 after that. It is expected to start shipping in October.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Intel Says New Lunar Lake Chips Have 'Fastest Built-In GPU in the Industry'
Intel today unveiled its new "Lunar Lake" Intel Core Ultra 200V processors, designed for thin and light AI PCs. Intel's new chips are meant to compete with Apple silicon chips and the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips that Microsoft recently adopted for its AI-focused Copilot+ PCs. According to Intel, the Lunar Lake chips are its most efficient x86 processors ever, built "without compromise." Intel claims that the p-core in the Lunar Lake chip is the "fastest CPU core of any processor in a thin and light laptop," and that its Xe2 graphics architecture is the "fastest built-in GPU in the industry." Intel says that it tested almost 50 games and the Lunar Lake chips were 16 percent faster than AMD chips and 68 percent faster than Qualcomm chips. The chip has four p-cores (power) and four e-cores (efficiency), similar to the Apple silicon chips, and memory is no longer separate. Intel didn't compare its new chips to Apple silicon chips, but the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite's CPU performance is not too far off from the M4 chip, so the Lunar Lake chips could be faster. Memory maxes out at 32GB though, so Intel doesn't have chips able to compete with the Pro and Max Apple silicon chips. Intel says that compared to Qualcomm's chips, Lunar Lake offers a 20 percent improvement in performance per watt, with the chip drawing up to 40 percent less power than its predecessor. Intel says that consumers can expect several more hours of battery life, along with significant gains in performance, graphics, and AI. Devices with Intel's latest chips are set to be available starting on September 24.Tag: IntelThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Microsoft's New AI Computers Struggle With Hundreds of Popular PC Games
Microsoft's new Copilot+ PCs that offer super fast performance for AI tasks, all-day battery life, and other perks, struggle when it comes to gaming, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal. The Copilot+ PCs are equipped with Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon chips that merge the CPU, GPU, and a Neural Processing Unit. Using an Arm chip means Microsoft's PCs now face the some of the same problems as Apple's Macs, such as an inability to run popular PC games designed for x86 chip architecture. Approximately 15 percent of PC laptop users are gamers, and Microsoft users aren't accustomed to having to deal with incompatibilities. To get around the Arm issue, Microsoft designed Prism, which is basically the equivalent of Rosetta 2 on Apple Macs. It makes it so x86 apps can run on Arm-based Windows machines, but it turns out it's not working well. In a test of 1,300 PC games, only half of them ran without bugs, glitches, or launch issues. In some cases, anti-cheating software in games like Fortnite and League of Legends can't be translated to run on Arm, preventing even games without significant graphics requirements from running. There is no quick fix for the problem. Reviews of the Copilot+ PCs highlighted problems with Prism way back in June. The Verge, for example, said that Premiere Pro was "practically unusable" and that rendering projects in Blender was "terrible." Shadows of the Tomb Raider crashed continually, and other titles like Destiny 2, Starfield, Halo Infinite, and Fall Guys would not launch. Microsoft told The Wall Street Journal that titles with demanding graphics requirements may not play on Copilot+ PCs, and that while it is aiming to make a "quality gaming experience" on the new devices, players who want a high-performance experience should choose an alternate PC.Tag: MicrosoftThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Zens Launches Qi2 Multi-Device Quattro Charger Pro 4
Accessory maker Zens this week introduced the Quattro Charger Pro 4, a multi-device charging station with a unique design. There are two rectangular charging platforms, each with a pair of magnetic charging surfaces for charging four total devices at one time. The Quattro is a Qi2 charger, so each of the magnetic charging pucks can charge an iPhone at up to 15W. With Qi2 support and the multi-level design, the Quattro is able to charge four iPhones at once at 15W. Because the charger is flat, it works with both MagSafe-compatible iPhones and older Qi devices that do not have included magnets. The charging surface can also be used for AirPods and other smartphones, but it does not work with the Apple Watch. Given the orientation of the charger, it is worth noting that StandBy is not supported. The Quattro Charger Pro 4 can be pre-ordered from the Zens website for $200, with black and white color options available. It will ship out to customers at the end of October.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Microsoft Says Apple's 30% Fee Makes Xbox Cloud Gaming iOS App 'Impossible'
Apple has allowed cloud gaming apps on the App Store since earlier this year, but cloud gaming services still haven't bothered making iOS apps. Microsoft recently explained why, telling UK regulators that it didn't bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to Apple's ‌App Store‌ because the rules are still too restrictive. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is investigating mobile browsers and cloud gaming, and put out a call for comments. Microsoft responded in late July (via The Verge) and said [PDF] that while cloud gaming apps are technically allowed, there are still multiple rules that cloud gaming apps can't comply with for "technical and economic reasons." Microsoft's chief complaint is that the ‌App Store‌ rules require subscriptions and features to be made available on iOS devices with in-app purchase, which is "not feasible." A consumption-only situation where content is purchased on another platform and played on iOS is not allowed for cloud gaming apps. Apple's 30 percent commission fee "makes it impossible" for Microsoft to monetize its cloud gaming service, and it is neither "economically sustainable nor justifiable." Microsoft also complains about Apple's lack of support for alternative app stores and the limitations of web apps, such as an inability to access device hardware features. Google also submitted a separate document in the UK, and it simply suggests that regulators focus on the iOS ‌App Store‌ rather than taking a look at Google Play. Apple's own statement said that it "supports and encourages" cloud gaming services on iOS, and that there are successful cloud gaming services such as Antstream. Apple suggested that regulators revisit their thinking following its support for cloud gaming, which did happen after the investigation launched. The UK will take Microsoft's comments and comments from other parties into account when making a decision in the ongoing mobile browser and cloud gaming investigation.Tags: App Store, Microsoft, United Kingdom, XboxThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »

Review: Ultimate Ears' EVERBOOM Bluetooth Speaker Packs a Punch With a Rugged Design
Logitech subsidiary Ultimate Ears has been in the portable wireless speaker market for over a decade now, gradually building a full set of models across a range of sizes, power, and price points. The most recent addition to the lineup is the EVERBOOM, a mid-range speaker that debuted a few months ago. I've been testing one out and I've found it to be a handy and capable speaker in a variety of settings. Priced at $249.99, the EVERBOOM sits in the middle of the Ultimate Ears lineup, which currently ranges from the WONDERBOOM 4 at $99.99 all the way up to the HYPERBOOM at $399.99. Like many of Ultimate Ears' speakers, the EVERBOOM is designed for an active lifestyle, offering IP67 water and dust resistance to stand up to not just splashes but full dunks in water. The speaker even floats, and it's been drop tested from a height of one meter. The EVERBOOM is more or less an elliptic cylinder, measuring a little over 8 inches (200 mm) high, 4.3 inches (110 mm) wide, and 3.25 inches (85 mm) deep. Aside from plastic toward the top and bottom of the speaker, it is wrapped entirely in a speaker mesh, with Ultimate Ears touting 360-degree sound. In reality, the audio largely comes from the two sides of the speaker, but with them firing in opposite directions, you do indeed get pretty solid sound projection all around. The EVERBOOM includes a pair of full-range transducers paired with two customized passive radiators to help deliver full sound from the relatively small form factor. I found sound quality to be quite good, with the 360-degree sound easily filling even a fairly large room and remaining quite audible and well-balanced outdoors. It can get quite loud if you turn it up, although distortion becomes a bit of an issue as you start to max it out in more enclosed environments. Volume is easily controlled right from the speaker with the huge iconic plus and minus buttons on the front. They're a bold design decision, but they make an Ultimate Ears speaker pretty much instantly recognizable. Pressing both of them simultaneously while the speaker is powered on gives you a general sense of battery level with some lights hidden behind the mesh up at the top. An Outdoor Boost mode can be activated with a button on the speaker or from within the UE | BOOM app, offering a bit more punch with the sound output optimized for outdoor spaces. The increase in bass is definitely noticeable when it's turned on. Speaking of the UE | BOOM app, it offers an array of functionality for managing one or more speakers from the Utimate Ears lineup. You can of course use the EVERBOOM as a standalone Bluetooth speaker right from the options on your iPhone or other device, but the app includes features like an equalizer, the ability to link multiple speakers, and more. With PARTYUP mode, you can sync up to 150 speakers from the UE lineup to maximize your sound. The app also offers convenient controls for changing tracks and volumes, turning the speaker on and off, activating Outdoor Boost, and activating a Microphone mode that lets you broadcast your voice over the speaker via your phone. The equalizer panel offers five preset configurations: a flat Signature curve, a Bass Boost setting that does just what you'd expect, a Cramped Spaces option that drops the mids a bit, a Deep Relaxation mode that drops the treble way down, and a Podcast/Vocal setting that drops the bass. Any of these presets can be customized via five sliders spanning the various frequencies. Another handy aspect of the UE | BOOM app is management of the Magic Button, which is a function of the play/pause hardware button on the speaker itself. The play/pause button offers the usual functionality with a single press playing or pausing music, a double press skipping forward, and a triple press skipping backward. But there's also a fourth function, and that's a long press to activate the Magic Button. In the app, you can configure the Magic Button to activate a playlist from either Apple Music or Amazon Music. It requires connecting the UE | BOOM app to those services, at which point you'll be able to see all of your saved playlists and select up to four of them to link to the Magic Button. A long press on the button on the speaker immediately starts the first playlist you've configured, and subsequent long presses will cycle through your selected playlists. Overall, the app only gets middling reviews from users, with some citing Bluetooth connection problems and ads covering important controls, but I haven't experienced any of those issues in my testing, so hopefully they've been resolved. Beneath the buttons on the top of the EVERBOOM is an NFC chip that allows for quick pairing and switching with Android devices. It doesn't currently work with iOS devices, but perhaps it will at some point in the future as Apple gradually opens up the NFC capabilities of its devices. The EVERBOOM offers up to 20 hours of battery life and a Bluetooth range of up to 55 meters (180 feet), offering solid flexibility while on the go. A small loop on the back of the speaker and an included carabiner make it easy to hang the EVERBOOM from a backpack, tent, or other convenient spot. It recharges over USB-C, with the device's port located at the bottom rear behind a flap that helps prevent water intrusion. The EVERBOOM is available now for $249.99 from Ultimate Ears and Amazon in Azure Blue or Charcoal Black. Lilac and Raspberry color options are currently sold out. Alongside the EVERBOOM launch in June, Ultimate Ears also refreshed its WONDERBOOM, BOOM, and MEGABOOM speakers with USB-C ports and new colors in 100% post-consumer recycled fabric. The BOOM and MEGABOOM also received enhanced deep bass radiators while the WONDERBOOM added an audio mode optimized for podcasts. Note: Ultimate Ears provided MacRumors with the EVERBOOM for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Ultimate Ears and Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.Tag: Ultimate EarsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Read more »