Apple launched the iPod 23 years ago, and changed the world
The iPod line has vanished into history, but the influence of this once-ubiquitous device is still shaping Apple, music, and the world, 23 years on from its announcement on October 23, 2001.You had one. Everybody had an iPod, some people had several, and at the time it seemed as if Apple had somehow thrown a light switch. One moment, almost nobody had any portable music players, and the next they were all wearing those white earbuds.That isn't true, of course, because the iPod did take a long time to climb up as high as it got. Yet its ultimate dominance was so total that it used to be hard to imagine a time when there wasn't an iPod.It was hard, too, to remember that there were alternatives, but there were many. Apple's iPod was far from the first music player, and Microsoft's failed, brown Zune may not even have been its absolute worst rival. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Why the Apple Intelligence delays? What about the new Siri? Craig Federighi explains [Video]
When the iPhone 16 line-up was launched without most of the headline AI features, there was much criticism about the Apple Intelligence delays. The WSJ’s Joanna Stern has now sat down with Apple software lead Craig Federighi to ask him to explain why the roll-out is so slow. In addition to the timeline of Apple Intelligence features, Federighi also talks about what we can expect from a smarter Siri … more…

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Apple may be down to just two Lightning devices in just a few days
Macworld It’s only been a little more than a decade since Apple unveiled its new Lightning port with the iPhone 5, but the tiny port is nearly completely gone. After the European Parliament voted back in 2022 for a new rule requiring all new phones and smaller electronics that use a cable to charge to be equipped with a USB-C port, the countdown to the death of Lightning began. While the rule technically only applies to new products sold in Europe, Apple has been changing its Lightning devices to USB-C following the launch of the iPhone 15 in 2023. In September, Apple swapped out the Lightning port on the AirPods Max and AirPods 4 case, leaving just a handful of Lightning devices remaining. Here’s what’s left and how much longer they’ll be around: iPhone SE Last updated: March 2022 (3rd gen) Next expected update: March 2025 (4th gen) Apple updated the iPhone 15 with USB-C in 2023, but there are still two phones remaining that have a Lightning port: the iPhone 14 and the iPhone SE. The latest iPhone SE rumors say Apple will be updating the current model in 2025 with a new iPhone 14-style design, Apple Intelligence support, and of course, a USB-C port. In fact, Apple may be launching an iPhone SE Plus as well that would likely replace the iPhone 14 and make the whole lineup Lightning-free. Both of Apple’s AirPods cases need a Lightning port to charge.Foundry Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, Magic Mouse Last updated: March 2022 (black) Next expected update: October 2024 Apple hasn’t changed much about its trio of Mac accessories in nearly a decade, but it does introduce new colors somewhat regularly. In 2021, all three accessories—Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse—got new colors to match the new 24-inch iMac, while the Magic Keyboard received a Touch ID sensor. Then in 2022, Apple began offering black versions of the accessories alongside the Mac Studio and Studio Display. While we don’t expect Apple to surprise us with a Magic Mouse that charges properly (meaning you don’t have to flip it over to connect the charger), Apple is expected to update its Mac accessories in 2024 with USB-C when the first models with the M4 chips arrive. IDG Powerbeats Pro Last updated: June 2020 (new colors) Next expected update: 2025 While most of Apple’s Beats products use USB-C or micro-USB for charging, there is one—the PowerBeats Pro—that still uses Lightning. After Apple discontinued PowerBeats in 2024, we had assumed that the PowerBeats Pro were just going to disappear forever. But in September 2024 Beats and Shohei Ohtani teased a new model with a streamlined design. Additionally, they may be able to measure heart rate during a workout.

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iPad mini 7 with Apple Intelligence support goes on sale
Apple's newest iPad, the iPad mini 7, is now on sale in the US and several other key markets worldwide, with prices starting from $499. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Best AirPods 2024: AirPods, AirPods Pro or Max?
Macworld If you’re thinking of buying AirPods any time soon, you’ve got a few options to choose from. Apple currently has four models in the range, but how do they compare in terms of features? In this article, we take a look at which AirPods are the best for your needs, not to mention your bank balance. What types of AirPods are there? Apple sells various types of AirPods. These range from the standard AirPods right up to the over-the-ear AirPods Max and as the models vary quite a bit in terms of construction and features, the range also encompasses a wide span of pricing. In September 2024 Apple announced a hearing aid update for the AirPods Pro 2, two different versions of the new AirPods 4 and an update to the AirPods Max that refreshed the color options and added USB-C. More about those updates below. Read: AirPods 3 vs AirPods 4 to find out what’s changed. Apple’s AirPods lineup as of September 2024: AirPods 4: $129 at Apple U.S./£129 at Apple U.K. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelation: $179 at Apple U.S./£179 at Apple U.K. AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, with USB-C): $249 at Apple U.S./£229 at Apple U.K. AirPods Max: $549 at Apple U.S. / £499 at Apple U.K. Apple Those aren’t the only earphones that Apple sells. Apple also sells the $19 Apple EarPods/£19 Apple EarPods (either with Lightning connector, USB-C connector, or 3.5mm plug). Plus, Beats is a subsidiary of Apple, so Beats headphones often include Apple-specific features. If you are happy to consider alternatives to AirPods, take a look at our roundup of the best earbuds for iPhone, best USB-C headphones and best over-ear headphones. Complete list of all the AirPods models by year Apple sells four distinct AirPod models right now, but, in the past, the range has included the following AirPods, many of which are no longer sold by Apple. We mention them here because you might still find one of these older models on sale elsewhere, so you should be aware of them: AirPods (1st generation): Launched in December 2016, discontinued in March 2019. AirPods (2nd generation): Launched in March 2019, discontinued in September 2024. AirPods (3rd Generation) with Lightning or MagSafe charging case: launched in October 2021, discontinued in September 2024. AirPods Pro (1st generation): Launched in October 2019, discontinued in September 2022. AirPods Pro (2nd generation): Launched in September 2022 with Lightning connectivity. Were updated in September 2023 to add USB-C connectivity. AirPods Max with Lightning: Launched in December 2020. Were updated in September 2023 to add USB-C connectivity and refresh the color choices. You may be able to get any of the above AirPods at a discounted price from an independent reseller, including the generations no longer sold by Apple. To get the best prices take a look at the best pricing for Apple’s AirPods right now in the sections below, but we also have a separate roundup of the best AirPods deals that we update monthly. AirPods 2 (left), AirPods 3 (middle), AirPods Pro 2 (right)Apple What can AirPods do? You may be thinking of Apple’s AirPods as earbuds, earphones, headphones, or whatever you call them. Perhaps all you want to do with your AirPods is listen to music, but there is so much more that they can do. Here are a few of the benefits of having AirPods: Simple setup: the AirPods are easy to set up to use with all your Apple products. You can instantly pair them with every device linked to your iCloud account just by tapping the AirPods once on your iPhone or iPad. Bluetooth headphones: that’s not to say AirPods can only be used with Apple products. You can connect to PCs, Android phones, game consoles, and TVs via Bluetooth. See: AirPods compatibility: What Do AirPods work with. Automatic switching: You can seamlessly move from listening to audio on your Mac to answering a call on your iPhone. They are intelligent: They sense when they’re in your ears, pause when you take them out and resume when you put them back in. They recognize when you’re speaking and filter out external noise so that your voice is clear. Audio Sharing: You can share an audio stream between two sets of AirPods. Want to listen to your favorite album or Podcast with a friend? Bring their AirPods near the iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV you’re listening to and they will connect. You can listen together and each of you will have independent volume control. Conversation Boost: helps you hear people talking to you. Live Listen: helps you to hear people across the room by working with your iPhone to pick up sound from a distance. Access to Siri: Siri, your AI assistant, can read your messages or alerts as they arrive. You can even get Siri to reply to messages using voice commands. Free Apple Music: if you haven’t previously had a trial you can get 3 months of Apple Music free See How to get Apple Music for free. Hearing aid: A software update for the AirPods Pro 2 means they will be able to function like over-the-counter hearing aids. AirPods compared: Which AirPods are best? If you are wondering what the main differences between the various AirPods read on. We also cover elements like design, controls, waterproofing, noise cancelling, sound quality, charging times and battery life, below. First we’ll run though the key differences between the various AirPods sold by Apple, starting with the most expensive model. You can also see the best prices right now. Apple AirPods Max (2024) Price When Reviewed: $549 Best Prices Today: $449.99 at Walmart$529.99 at Best Buy$539 at Amazon At more than twice the cost of the AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max are the definition of a considered purchase. Thanks to the size of the ear-cups, Apple is able to put a H1 chip in each one, as opposed to the single chip that appears in all of the other AirPods. Like on the Pros, there are features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode and Spacial Audio, but the Max doesn’t have the custom high-dynamic range amplifier found in the 3rd gen and Pro AirPods, or (more surprisingly) any form of waterproofing. The smart case is also different in that you can’t use it to charge the AirPods Max, but this isn’t as bad as it sounds, as the onboard batteries provide around 20 hours of listening time. Again, thanks to the size of the AirPods Max, controls are handled not by taps but a Digital Crown similar to that found on the Apple Watch, and a dedicated Noise Control button. There are also multiple microphones to aid with noise cancellation, plus updated sensors for better performance. Since the September 2024 update, the AirPods Max charge with USB-C, but prior to that used the Lightning connector. There is no 3.5mm headphone jack. To listen to lossless audio, or if you’re editing video and want to eliminate the latency of Bluetooth, you can at least now plug them in via USB-C. If you have an older iPhone then you may still be able to buy the older Lightning-equipped version. The September 2024 update also added new color options of blue, purple, Midnight, Starlight or orange. The price didn’t change. For a comprehensive look at the AirPods Max, read our full review. AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: $182.95 at B&H$249 at Apple$297.50 at Amazon The AirPods Pro had a significant update in 2022, bringing Find My to the charging case, better battery life, improved noise cancellation and enhanced audio quality, new extra small ear tips and so much more. Then in 2023 Apple switched Lightning on the case for USB-C and added a few new features including a case that charges with USB-C instead of Lightning, the ability to use an iPhone 15 to reverse your AirPods case, better protection against dust, and Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency for Apple Vision Pro. In September 2024, Apple announced that the AirPods Pro 2 will get a firmware update that will add hearing aid features to the earphones. The update should be available before the end of 2024. Learn more about the hearing aid feature. The AirPods Pro are better than ever, but the price is still high. Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) Price When Reviewed: $179 with Active Noice Cancelation Best Prices Today: $168.99 at Amazon$174.99 at B&H$179 at Adorama The AirPods have been redesigned with each generation, each one promising a better fit. The AirPods 4, according to Apple, has a design with “a natural and secure fit for more people than ever.” The company said it used an “unparalleled data set” to make “the most comfortable AirPods ever.”  The effectiveness of the AirPods 4’s active noise cancelation is heavily affected by the open design. The AirPods 4 don’t absolutely cancel the noise around you, which might be preferable, depending on your situation. If you’re in conditions where you need to muffle as much as possible, you’ll want to turn to the AirPods 2’s snug ear tips. Like the AirPods Pro 2 case, the $179/£179 AirPods 4 with ANC case has a speaker to play alerts through Find My. It also supports USB-C or wireless charging–it works with the Apple Watch charger as well as Qi chargers. If you use active noise cancelation, it shortens the AirPods 4’s battery life—when fully charged, Apple states a 4-hour listening time with the earbuds and 20 hours of charge with the case. Turn off ANC, and fully charged earbuds can last 5 hours, and the case adds 30 total hours.The AirPods 4 with ANC for $179/£179 are a much better value than the 3rd-gen AirPods with numerous pro-level features. They sound great, the active noise cancelation is extremely useful and works surprisingly well, they fit better than previous AirPods, and the wireless charging and Find My speaker on the case are much-welcomed conveniences. Read our full Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) review Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) Price When Reviewed: $129 without Active Noise Cancelation Best Prices Today: $119 at Amazon$129 at Apple$129 at B&H Apple offers the AirPods 4 without Active Noice Cancelation for $129/£129, a $50/£50 lower price than the model with ANC. Apple identifies this product as the AirPods 4. The earbud and case designs are the same as the $179/£179 AirPods 4 with ANC. However, the $129 AirPods 4 does not have the following features: Active Noise Cancelation (as well as Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode) Conversation Awareness Wireless charging case Speaker on the case for Find My alerts Otherwise, they’re the same. The AirPods 4 have an H2 chip like the ANC model as well as the same audio quality, fit, and features. So you’ll have to consider if those features listed above are worth the extra $50. AirPods features: How to choose the best AirPods We’ll now run through all the differences between the various AirPods, looking at the design, controls, waterproofing, noise canceling, sound quality, compatibility, charging times and battery life to help you decide which AirPods will meet your needs. Design All earbud style AirPods are available in white, just like the iPod earbuds that were so iconic. However, if you are willing to spend more on a pair of over-ear Apple headphones then the AirPods Max come in a variety of two-tone colors including (from September 2024) Blue, Midnight, Orange, Purple, and Starlight. The AirPods Max are designed to create an acoustic seal around your ear to aid noise cancellation. There’s a Digital Crown on one side for volume control. There was an expectation that the AirPods Pro would have shorter stems when Apple updated them in 2022, but this wasn’t the case. This means that to distinguish between the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) you need to look to the earbud. Only the AirPods Pro come with silicone ear tips to create a seal in your ear. There are four sizes: XS, S, M, L included in the box. The extra small size is new with the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro are the only other AirPods to offer external noise cancellation. AirPods 3 (left) AirPods 4 (right).Apple You might not be keen on pushing something inside your ear, in which case it’s worth noting that the AirPods Pro 2 offer a vent system for pressure equalization so that it feels comfortable to wear them. This vent system combined with the silicon ear tips means you may find the AirPods Pro 2 more comfortable to wear than the standard AirPods with their hard plastic tips that sit in your ear. The most obvious difference between the new AirPods 4 and the older AirPods 2 and 3 is the size of the stem. There’s a lot else that is visibly different though, as you can see from the image above. Size is another difference, that may or may not matter to you since it doesn’t really impact comfort or fit. The AirPods 4 are lighter than the AirPods Pro 2, which are 5.3g (0.19oz). The AirPods Max weigh a lot more at 384.8g (13.6oz). Controls One of the benefits of using any kind of AirPods is that you can also tell Siri (the artificial intelligent assistant) to do things for you. However, you don’t have to use Siri to control your music playback (luckily). You can use a combination of taps and swipe depending on which AirPods you have. On AirPods 2nd generation you use a double tap to play, skip or answer the phone. AirPods 3 and 4 use a force sensor. It’s one press for play, pause or answer call, two presses to skip forward, and three presses to skip back. Press and hold to activate Siri. AirPods Pro 2 use touch control with different presses for different features. It’s one press for play, pause or answer call, two presses to skip forward, three presses to skip back. You press and hold to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Transparency, swipe up and down to adjust volume, and you Say Hey Siri to trigger the voice assistant. AirPods Max feature a Digital Crown that you turn to control volume, press to play, pause or answer a call, press twice to skip, three times to go back, and press and hold to activate Siri (or say Hey Siri). There’s also a Noise control button to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. There’s a Noise control button to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode on the AIrPods Max.Apple Waterproofing: Are AirPods waterproof? Given that a lot of people like to wear headphones when exercising or walking around outside, so the question “can AirPods get wet” is a fair one. The answer to the question is that the AirPods 4 generation and AirPods Pro 2 are sweat and water resistant (IPX4 rated), according to Apple. Which means you can wear then when exercising, in the shower and in the rain, but not in the swimming pool. The AirPods aren’t considered water resistant. Noise canceling: Are AirPods noise canceling? The AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 offer Active Noise Cancelation. Noise cancellation works by using a microphone to detect external sounds and then countering them by playing anti-noise. The AirPods Pro 2 offer better noise cancellation thanks to a new driver and improved acoustic algorithms as well as better microphones and a new speaker grille on top of each earbud to help filter out outside sounds. Apple also offers the AirPods 4 without Active Noise Cancelation. Active Noise Cancellation isn’t the only sound related feature in the AirPods. There is a Transparency mode available on the AirPods Pro or AirPods Max that lets the outside noise in when you need to hear what’s going on around you. You can switch between these two modes by tapping on a location on your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max (indicated by the blue arrows in the image above). There’s a difference between the Transparency Mode on the AirPods Max and the Pro: the AirPods Pro 2 offer Adaptive Transparency, which will minimise the intensity of loud noises like sirens, so you won’t be deafened if an ambulance passes while you are using Transparency Mode. Conversation Boost is a feature that came to the AirPods Pro in an October 2021 software update. The feature can be used to enhance the voice of the person talking beside you, which could be helpful for the hard of hearing. The feature can be turned on in iOS Accessibility settings, here’s How to use Conversation Boost to turn your AirPods Pro into a hearing aid. Another related feature is Live Listen, which can be used in conjunction with an iPhone or iPad to help you listen to someone speaking from across the room or in a noisy place. You can use Live Listen with AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and also Powerbeats Pro or Beats Fit Pro. Read How to use Live Listen. Sound quality: Which AirPods have the best sound quality? We’ve never had any reason to criticise any AirPods sound quality, although they aren’t necessarily the best sounding headphones you can buy. However, we were glad to find that the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 use the same H2 chip that processes sound, so the audio quality is similar in both, which the differences due mostly to the eartips in the AirPods Pro 2. Another way that AirPods can create personalized sound is via Personalized Spatial Audio, which requires iOS 16 on iPhones with the TrueDepth camera and is compatible with 1st and 2nd generation AirPods Pro, AirPods, and AirPods Max. It can also be used with Beats Fit Pro. A personal profile based on your unique ear shape is set up for you, based on a photo of your head and each of your ears to create a three-dimensional audio experience when you move your head. Dynamic head tracking can also be beneficial in group FaceTime calls. All AirPods support Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio in Apple Music, but only the 3rd and 4th-generation AirPods, or either generation of the AirPods Pro support Spatial Audio for video with head tracking. Charging and battery life AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 3 and AirPods 2 in their charging casesApple Before we get onto battery life, a few words on charging. The $129/£129 AirPods 4 case charges only through USB-C. The $179/£179 AirPods 4 with ANC has USB-C charging but also can charge wirelessly. The charging case for the AirPods Pro 2 includes USB-C and wireless charging. But perhaps even better, you don’t need to find a power adapter to plug the cable into: you can reverse charge the 2023 version by plugging the case into any iPhone 15. You can also charge the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro and the MagSafe-equipped 3rd-gen AirPods wirelessly. Here’s how the battery life of the different AirPods Apple sells compares: AirPods 4: 5 hours listening or 4.5 hours talking, plus 30 hours listening or 20 hours talking from charging case. AirPods 4 with ANC: 4 hours (with ANC on) or 5 hours (with ANC off) listening or 4.5 hours talking, plus 20 hours (with ANC on) 0r 30 hours (with ANC off) listening or 20 hours talking from charging case. AirPods Pro 2: 6 hours listening or 4.5 hours talking, plus the AirPods Pro 2 charging case can add a total of 30 hours of listening or 24 hours talking. AirPods Max: 20 hrs on one charge, but no charging case boost here. These battery life measures are claimed by Apple. It’s worth noting that the AirPods Pro 2 battery life if superior to the 1st generation of that model (previously 4.5 hours and 24 hours listening time). To check the remaining battery life users can hold AirPods next to their iPhone or ask Siri “How’s the battery on my AirPods?”. Should AirPods need charging a notification will appear on the paired iPhone. Prospective buyers will also want to know how quickly the AirPods will charge – or how quickly you can charge them before leaving the house. AirPods 4: 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of battery life. AirPods Pro 2: 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of battery life. AirPods Max: 5 minutes of charge time provides around 1.5 hours of battery life. Again, those are the times quoted by Apple. You won’t always be in a hurry to charge your AirPods of course. Under more usual circumstances the AirPods have a variety of ways in which they can be charged. All but the AirPods 4 without ANC can come with a wireless charging case. There did used to be a version of the AirPods 2 that came with a wireless charging case, but Apple no longer sells that model. Compatibility We mentioned already that AirPods don’t only work with Apple products. They are Bluetooth headphones and as such can connect to any device that supports Bluetooth. In that respect, there might be some difference based on the fact that both generations of AIrPods and the AirPods Max support Bluetooth 5.0 while the AirPods Pro 2 support Bluetooth 5.3, which brings improvements such as less interference and improved sound quality. So, if you were wondering if AirPods can connect to your PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Android or even Samsung phone, the answer is yes. You just need to connect via Bluetooth. One last thing to note: if you have a really old iPhone and want to use AirPods, only the AirPods 2nd gen work with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 5s and the iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2 and iPad Air (1st generation) and iPod touch (6th generation). Other AIrPods won’t work with those ageing devices. But we can’t imagine many AIrPod users will have such old Apple devices. We cover various scenarios separately: How to use AirPods with PlayStation or Xbox How to pair AirPods with a Nintendo Switch (without an adapter) How to connect AirPods to Apple TV Which AirPods to buy The AirPods that are right for you will no doubt depend on a variety of factors. Perhaps you want the cheapest option, in which case the AirPods 4 without ANC at $129/£129 might look the most attractive. You will need to really want active noise cancellation to spend $50/£50 more to get it. But if you are a real music lover the AirPods might not be enough for you. The AirPods Pro offer superior sound and many more benefits. They cost a lot more though, at $249/£229. We think they are worth the extra expense, but you might not. If you have money to spend though then the AirPods Max, which have a very high price in comparison with the rest of the range, at $549/£499, do have a lot of appeal. But those who would appreciate what they offer can look beyond Apple’s offering and probably find something just as good, or better. See: Best over-ear headphones. One other factor influencing your decision though is if you find a good deal on a new or old pair of AirPods. Check out the deals below to see if the AirPods you want are discounted – then perhaps you can afford to splash out on the AirPods Pro instead of the AirPods. For more advice read AirPods vs AirPods Pro. Also read: New AirPods: What to expect from the next-gen AirPods.

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Best AirPods 2024: AirPods, AirPods Pro or Max?
Macworld If you’re thinking of buying AirPods any time soon, you’ve got a few options to choose from. Apple currently has four models in the range, but how do they compare in terms of features? In this article, we take a look at which AirPods are the best for your needs, not to mention your bank balance. What types of AirPods are there? Apple sells various types of AirPods. These range from the standard AirPods right up to the over-the-ear AirPods Max and as the models vary quite a bit in terms of construction and features, the range also encompasses a wide span of pricing. In September 2024 Apple announced a hearing aid update for the AirPods Pro 2, two different versions of the new AirPods 4 and an update to the AirPods Max that refreshed the color options and added USB-C. More about those updates below. Read: AirPods 3 vs AirPods 4 to find out what’s changed. Apple’s AirPods lineup as of September 2024: AirPods 4: $129 at Apple U.S./£129 at Apple U.K. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancelation: $179 at Apple U.S./£179 at Apple U.K. AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, with USB-C): $249 at Apple U.S./£229 at Apple U.K. AirPods Max: $549 at Apple U.S. / £499 at Apple U.K. Apple Those aren’t the only earphones that Apple sells. Apple also sells the $19 Apple EarPods/£19 Apple EarPods (either with Lightning connector, USB-C connector, or 3.5mm plug). Plus, Beats is a subsidiary of Apple, so Beats headphones often include Apple-specific features. If you are happy to consider alternatives to AirPods, take a look at our roundup of the best earbuds for iPhone, best USB-C headphones and best over-ear headphones. Complete list of all the AirPods models by year Apple sells four distinct AirPod models right now, but, in the past, the range has included the following AirPods, many of which are no longer sold by Apple. We mention them here because you might still find one of these older models on sale elsewhere, so you should be aware of them: AirPods (1st generation): Launched in December 2016, discontinued in March 2019. AirPods (2nd generation): Launched in March 2019, discontinued in September 2024. AirPods (3rd Generation) with Lightning or MagSafe charging case: launched in October 2021, discontinued in September 2024. AirPods Pro (1st generation): Launched in October 2019, discontinued in September 2022. AirPods Pro (2nd generation): Launched in September 2022 with Lightning connectivity. Were updated in September 2023 to add USB-C connectivity. AirPods Max with Lightning: Launched in December 2020. Were updated in September 2023 to add USB-C connectivity and refresh the color choices. You may be able to get any of the above AirPods at a discounted price from an independent reseller, including the generations no longer sold by Apple. To get the best prices take a look at the best pricing for Apple’s AirPods right now in the sections below, but we also have a separate roundup of the best AirPods deals that we update monthly. AirPods 2 (left), AirPods 3 (middle), AirPods Pro 2 (right)Apple What can AirPods do? You may be thinking of Apple’s AirPods as earbuds, earphones, headphones, or whatever you call them. Perhaps all you want to do with your AirPods is listen to music, but there is so much more that they can do. Here are a few of the benefits of having AirPods: Simple setup: the AirPods are easy to set up to use with all your Apple products. You can instantly pair them with every device linked to your iCloud account just by tapping the AirPods once on your iPhone or iPad. Bluetooth headphones: that’s not to say AirPods can only be used with Apple products. You can connect to PCs, Android phones, game consoles, and TVs via Bluetooth. See: AirPods compatibility: What Do AirPods work with. Automatic switching: You can seamlessly move from listening to audio on your Mac to answering a call on your iPhone. They are intelligent: They sense when they’re in your ears, pause when you take them out and resume when you put them back in. They recognize when you’re speaking and filter out external noise so that your voice is clear. Audio Sharing: You can share an audio stream between two sets of AirPods. Want to listen to your favorite album or Podcast with a friend? Bring their AirPods near the iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV you’re listening to and they will connect. You can listen together and each of you will have independent volume control. Conversation Boost: helps you hear people talking to you. Live Listen: helps you to hear people across the room by working with your iPhone to pick up sound from a distance. Access to Siri: Siri, your AI assistant, can read your messages or alerts as they arrive. You can even get Siri to reply to messages using voice commands. Free Apple Music: if you haven’t previously had a trial you can get 3 months of Apple Music free See How to get Apple Music for free. Hearing aid: A software update for the AirPods Pro 2 means they will be able to function like over-the-counter hearing aids. AirPods compared: Which AirPods are best? If you are wondering what the main differences between the various AirPods read on. We also cover elements like design, controls, waterproofing, noise cancelling, sound quality, charging times and battery life, below. First we’ll run though the key differences between the various AirPods sold by Apple, starting with the most expensive model. You can also see the best prices right now. Apple AirPods Max (2024) Price When Reviewed: $549 Best Prices Today: $449.99 at Walmart$539 at Amazon$539 at B&H At more than twice the cost of the AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max are the definition of a considered purchase. Thanks to the size of the ear-cups, Apple is able to put a H1 chip in each one, as opposed to the single chip that appears in all of the other AirPods. Like on the Pros, there are features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode and Spacial Audio, but the Max doesn’t have the custom high-dynamic range amplifier found in the 3rd gen and Pro AirPods, or (more surprisingly) any form of waterproofing. The smart case is also different in that you can’t use it to charge the AirPods Max, but this isn’t as bad as it sounds, as the onboard batteries provide around 20 hours of listening time. Again, thanks to the size of the AirPods Max, controls are handled not by taps but a Digital Crown similar to that found on the Apple Watch, and a dedicated Noise Control button. There are also multiple microphones to aid with noise cancellation, plus updated sensors for better performance. Since the September 2024 update, the AirPods Max charge with USB-C, but prior to that used the Lightning connector. There is no 3.5mm headphone jack. To listen to lossless audio, or if you’re editing video and want to eliminate the latency of Bluetooth, you can at least now plug them in via USB-C. If you have an older iPhone then you may still be able to buy the older Lightning-equipped version. The September 2024 update also added new color options of blue, purple, Midnight, Starlight or orange. The price didn’t change. For a comprehensive look at the AirPods Max, read our full review. AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Price When Reviewed: $249 Best Prices Today: $182.95 at B&H$249 at Apple$297.50 at Amazon The AirPods Pro had a significant update in 2022, bringing Find My to the charging case, better battery life, improved noise cancellation and enhanced audio quality, new extra small ear tips and so much more. Then in 2023 Apple switched Lightning on the case for USB-C and added a few new features including a case that charges with USB-C instead of Lightning, the ability to use an iPhone 15 to reverse your AirPods case, better protection against dust, and Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency for Apple Vision Pro. In September 2024, Apple announced that the AirPods Pro 2 will get a firmware update that will add hearing aid features to the earphones. The update should be available before the end of 2024. Learn more about the hearing aid feature. The AirPods Pro are better than ever, but the price is still high. Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) Price When Reviewed: $179 with Active Noice Cancelation Best Prices Today: $168.99 at Amazon$174.99 at B&H$179 at Adorama The AirPods have been redesigned with each generation, each one promising a better fit. The AirPods 4, according to Apple, has a design with “a natural and secure fit for more people than ever.” The company said it used an “unparalleled data set” to make “the most comfortable AirPods ever.”  The effectiveness of the AirPods 4’s active noise cancelation is heavily affected by the open design. The AirPods 4 don’t absolutely cancel the noise around you, which might be preferable, depending on your situation. If you’re in conditions where you need to muffle as much as possible, you’ll want to turn to the AirPods 2’s snug ear tips. Like the AirPods Pro 2 case, the $179/£179 AirPods 4 with ANC case has a speaker to play alerts through Find My. It also supports USB-C or wireless charging–it works with the Apple Watch charger as well as Qi chargers. If you use active noise cancelation, it shortens the AirPods 4’s battery life—when fully charged, Apple states a 4-hour listening time with the earbuds and 20 hours of charge with the case. Turn off ANC, and fully charged earbuds can last 5 hours, and the case adds 30 total hours.The AirPods 4 with ANC for $179/£179 are a much better value than the 3rd-gen AirPods with numerous pro-level features. They sound great, the active noise cancelation is extremely useful and works surprisingly well, they fit better than previous AirPods, and the wireless charging and Find My speaker on the case are much-welcomed conveniences. Read our full Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) review Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) Price When Reviewed: $129 without Active Noise Cancelation Best Prices Today: $119 at Amazon$129 at Apple$129 at B&H Apple offers the AirPods 4 without Active Noice Cancelation for $129/£129, a $50/£50 lower price than the model with ANC. Apple identifies this product as the AirPods 4. The earbud and case designs are the same as the $179/£179 AirPods 4 with ANC. However, the $129 AirPods 4 does not have the following features: Active Noise Cancelation (as well as Adaptive Audio and Transparency mode) Conversation Awareness Wireless charging case Speaker on the case for Find My alerts Otherwise, they’re the same. The AirPods 4 have an H2 chip like the ANC model as well as the same audio quality, fit, and features. So you’ll have to consider if those features listed above are worth the extra $50. AirPods features: How to choose the best AirPods We’ll now run through all the differences between the various AirPods, looking at the design, controls, waterproofing, noise canceling, sound quality, compatibility, charging times and battery life to help you decide which AirPods will meet your needs. Design All earbud style AirPods are available in white, just like the iPod earbuds that were so iconic. However, if you are willing to spend more on a pair of over-ear Apple headphones then the AirPods Max come in a variety of two-tone colors including (from September 2024) Blue, Midnight, Orange, Purple, and Starlight. The AirPods Max are designed to create an acoustic seal around your ear to aid noise cancellation. There’s a Digital Crown on one side for volume control. There was an expectation that the AirPods Pro would have shorter stems when Apple updated them in 2022, but this wasn’t the case. This means that to distinguish between the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) you need to look to the earbud. Only the AirPods Pro come with silicone ear tips to create a seal in your ear. There are four sizes: XS, S, M, L included in the box. The extra small size is new with the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro are the only other AirPods to offer external noise cancellation. AirPods 3 (left) AirPods 4 (right).Apple You might not be keen on pushing something inside your ear, in which case it’s worth noting that the AirPods Pro 2 offer a vent system for pressure equalization so that it feels comfortable to wear them. This vent system combined with the silicon ear tips means you may find the AirPods Pro 2 more comfortable to wear than the standard AirPods with their hard plastic tips that sit in your ear. The most obvious difference between the new AirPods 4 and the older AirPods 2 and 3 is the size of the stem. There’s a lot else that is visibly different though, as you can see from the image above. Size is another difference, that may or may not matter to you since it doesn’t really impact comfort or fit. The AirPods 4 are lighter than the AirPods Pro 2, which are 5.3g (0.19oz). The AirPods Max weigh a lot more at 384.8g (13.6oz). Controls One of the benefits of using any kind of AirPods is that you can also tell Siri (the artificial intelligent assistant) to do things for you. However, you don’t have to use Siri to control your music playback (luckily). You can use a combination of taps and swipe depending on which AirPods you have. On AirPods 2nd generation you use a double tap to play, skip or answer the phone. AirPods 3 and 4 use a force sensor. It’s one press for play, pause or answer call, two presses to skip forward, and three presses to skip back. Press and hold to activate Siri. AirPods Pro 2 use touch control with different presses for different features. It’s one press for play, pause or answer call, two presses to skip forward, three presses to skip back. You press and hold to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Transparency, swipe up and down to adjust volume, and you Say Hey Siri to trigger the voice assistant. AirPods Max feature a Digital Crown that you turn to control volume, press to play, pause or answer a call, press twice to skip, three times to go back, and press and hold to activate Siri (or say Hey Siri). There’s also a Noise control button to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode. There’s a Noise control button to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode on the AIrPods Max.Apple Waterproofing: Are AirPods waterproof? Given that a lot of people like to wear headphones when exercising or walking around outside, so the question “can AirPods get wet” is a fair one. The answer to the question is that the AirPods 4 generation and AirPods Pro 2 are sweat and water resistant (IPX4 rated), according to Apple. Which means you can wear then when exercising, in the shower and in the rain, but not in the swimming pool. The AirPods aren’t considered water resistant. Noise canceling: Are AirPods noise canceling? The AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 2 and the AirPods 4 offer Active Noise Cancelation. Noise cancellation works by using a microphone to detect external sounds and then countering them by playing anti-noise. The AirPods Pro 2 offer better noise cancellation thanks to a new driver and improved acoustic algorithms as well as better microphones and a new speaker grille on top of each earbud to help filter out outside sounds. Apple also offers the AirPods 4 without Active Noise Cancelation. Active Noise Cancellation isn’t the only sound related feature in the AirPods. There is a Transparency mode available on the AirPods Pro or AirPods Max that lets the outside noise in when you need to hear what’s going on around you. You can switch between these two modes by tapping on a location on your AirPods Pro or AirPods Max (indicated by the blue arrows in the image above). There’s a difference between the Transparency Mode on the AirPods Max and the Pro: the AirPods Pro 2 offer Adaptive Transparency, which will minimise the intensity of loud noises like sirens, so you won’t be deafened if an ambulance passes while you are using Transparency Mode. Conversation Boost is a feature that came to the AirPods Pro in an October 2021 software update. The feature can be used to enhance the voice of the person talking beside you, which could be helpful for the hard of hearing. The feature can be turned on in iOS Accessibility settings, here’s How to use Conversation Boost to turn your AirPods Pro into a hearing aid. Another related feature is Live Listen, which can be used in conjunction with an iPhone or iPad to help you listen to someone speaking from across the room or in a noisy place. You can use Live Listen with AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and also Powerbeats Pro or Beats Fit Pro. Read How to use Live Listen. Sound quality: Which AirPods have the best sound quality? We’ve never had any reason to criticise any AirPods sound quality, although they aren’t necessarily the best sounding headphones you can buy. However, we were glad to find that the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 use the same H2 chip that processes sound, so the audio quality is similar in both, which the differences due mostly to the eartips in the AirPods Pro 2. Another way that AirPods can create personalized sound is via Personalized Spatial Audio, which requires iOS 16 on iPhones with the TrueDepth camera and is compatible with 1st and 2nd generation AirPods Pro, AirPods, and AirPods Max. It can also be used with Beats Fit Pro. A personal profile based on your unique ear shape is set up for you, based on a photo of your head and each of your ears to create a three-dimensional audio experience when you move your head. Dynamic head tracking can also be beneficial in group FaceTime calls. All AirPods support Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio in Apple Music, but only the 3rd and 4th-generation AirPods, or either generation of the AirPods Pro support Spatial Audio for video with head tracking. Charging and battery life AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 3 and AirPods 2 in their charging casesApple Before we get onto battery life, a few words on charging. The $129/£129 AirPods 4 case charges only through USB-C. The $179/£179 AirPods 4 with ANC has USB-C charging but also can charge wirelessly. The charging case for the AirPods Pro 2 includes USB-C and wireless charging. But perhaps even better, you don’t need to find a power adapter to plug the cable into: you can reverse charge the 2023 version by plugging the case into any iPhone 15. You can also charge the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro and the MagSafe-equipped 3rd-gen AirPods wirelessly. Here’s how the battery life of the different AirPods Apple sells compares: AirPods 4: 5 hours listening or 4.5 hours talking, plus 30 hours listening or 20 hours talking from charging case. AirPods 4 with ANC: 4 hours (with ANC on) or 5 hours (with ANC off) listening or 4.5 hours talking, plus 20 hours (with ANC on) 0r 30 hours (with ANC off) listening or 20 hours talking from charging case. AirPods Pro 2: 6 hours listening or 4.5 hours talking, plus the AirPods Pro 2 charging case can add a total of 30 hours of listening or 24 hours talking. AirPods Max: 20 hrs on one charge, but no charging case boost here. These battery life measures are claimed by Apple. It’s worth noting that the AirPods Pro 2 battery life if superior to the 1st generation of that model (previously 4.5 hours and 24 hours listening time). To check the remaining battery life users can hold AirPods next to their iPhone or ask Siri “How’s the battery on my AirPods?”. Should AirPods need charging a notification will appear on the paired iPhone. Prospective buyers will also want to know how quickly the AirPods will charge – or how quickly you can charge them before leaving the house. AirPods 4: 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of battery life. AirPods Pro 2: 5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of battery life. AirPods Max: 5 minutes of charge time provides around 1.5 hours of battery life. Again, those are the times quoted by Apple. You won’t always be in a hurry to charge your AirPods of course. Under more usual circumstances the AirPods have a variety of ways in which they can be charged. All but the AirPods 4 without ANC can come with a wireless charging case. There did used to be a version of the AirPods 2 that came with a wireless charging case, but Apple no longer sells that model. Compatibility We mentioned already that AirPods don’t only work with Apple products. They are Bluetooth headphones and as such can connect to any device that supports Bluetooth. In that respect, there might be some difference based on the fact that both generations of AIrPods and the AirPods Max support Bluetooth 5.0 while the AirPods Pro 2 support Bluetooth 5.3, which brings improvements such as less interference and improved sound quality. So, if you were wondering if AirPods can connect to your PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Android or even Samsung phone, the answer is yes. You just need to connect via Bluetooth. One last thing to note: if you have a really old iPhone and want to use AirPods, only the AirPods 2nd gen work with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 5s and the iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2 and iPad Air (1st generation) and iPod touch (6th generation). Other AIrPods won’t work with those ageing devices. But we can’t imagine many AIrPod users will have such old Apple devices. We cover various scenarios separately: How to use AirPods with PlayStation or Xbox How to pair AirPods with a Nintendo Switch (without an adapter) How to connect AirPods to Apple TV Which AirPods to buy The AirPods that are right for you will no doubt depend on a variety of factors. Perhaps you want the cheapest option, in which case the AirPods 4 without ANC at $129/£129 might look the most attractive. You will need to really want active noise cancellation to spend $50/£50 more to get it. But if you are a real music lover the AirPods might not be enough for you. The AirPods Pro offer superior sound and many more benefits. They cost a lot more though, at $249/£229. We think they are worth the extra expense, but you might not. If you have money to spend though then the AirPods Max, which have a very high price in comparison with the rest of the range, at $549/£499, do have a lot of appeal. But those who would appreciate what they offer can look beyond Apple’s offering and probably find something just as good, or better. See: Best over-ear headphones. One other factor influencing your decision though is if you find a good deal on a new or old pair of AirPods. Check out the deals below to see if the AirPods you want are discounted – then perhaps you can afford to splash out on the AirPods Pro instead of the AirPods. For more advice read AirPods vs AirPods Pro. Also read: New AirPods: What to expect from the next-gen AirPods.

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Perplexity AI app due to arrive in the Mac App Store tomorrow
Perplexity is almost here. The nifty AI search app is due in tomorrow, October 24, at the Mac App Store and offers the following features: · Pro Search: Guided AI search for deeper exploration. · Ask with voice or text: Instant, up-to-date answers whether you type or say it. · Thread Follow-Up: Keep the conversation […] Source

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New leak points to a possible 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro with 28GB of Unified Memory
Once again, a huge leak has indicated something that may be coming down the Apple product pipeline. It appears that the company might have accidentally leaked the specifications of the smaller 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro, revealing that the base variant can be paired with additional amounts of memory. The leak centers around a 14-inch M4 […] Source

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How to run apps outside system security policies in macOS Sequoia
Security policies are provided in macOS to restrict which apps can run outside of the usual protective system policies. Here's how macOS Sequoia can override system policies in some cases.The System Settings app in macOS SequoiaApple's macOS is one of the most secure operating systems in the world. Even so, no operating system is foolproof, and security breaches are still possible.In the past decade, Apple has added several additional security features to macOS which helps improve security. These include but are not limited to: Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Craig Federighi says Siri won't become sentient, but it'll get better
Apple head of software Craig Federighi was asked about Siri and Apple Intelligence, and while he couldn't discuss the future, he was sure Siri was never going to become some kind of sentient pal.Apple Intelligence launches with iOS 18.1. Image credit: AppleApple Intelligence will launch alongside iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 before the end of October. Instead of falling into the hype cycle of its competitors, Apple seemingly took a more conservative approach by offering private and secure tools users can use every day.Apple's senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi sat down with Wall Street Journal Joanna Stern to discuss Apple's entry into AI and how it differs from the competition. One example he cited was that Siri is already helping users open their garage door or send a text, while ChatGPT isn't meant for those use cases. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPad mini 7 can also be restored wirelessly from another iOS device
As we reported last month, feature a new system that lets users restore the device’s firmware wirelessly from another iPhone or iPad. Now we’ve learned that Apple is also expanding this system to the recently announced . more…

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The Sordid Tale of Rudy Giuliani’s Yankees World Series Rings
The real story is — shocker — a scandal. An embarrassment for the Yankees, but almost certainly a crime on Giuliani’s part.

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CAE showcases new pilot training solution for Apple Vision Pro
Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE), a company specializing in flight simulation and training technologies, announced on Tuesday that it has been working on a new app that will use Apple Vision Pro’s special computing to train pilots. more…

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Apple releases iPadOS 18.0.1 update for iPad mini 7 with A17 Pro chip
Apple last week announced , which looks identical to its predecessor but this time is powered by the faster A17 Pro chip. As the new iPad arrives in stores tomorrow, Apple has just released the iPadOS 18.0.1 update for those who buy the iPad mini 7. more…

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Apple quietly releases second visionOS 2.1 RC to developers
The visionOS 2.1 release candidate has been updated just one day after its release with a fix for Apple Music.Apple releases visionOS 2.1 RC 2Apple Intelligence is set to launch with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 on or around October 28, so Apple is gearing up for those operating system releases. The release candidates went out to developers on Monday for nearly every OS, including visionOS 2.1, but it introduced a minor bug.On Tuesday, Apple patched that bug with a quiet visionOS 2.1 RC 2 release. The release notes state that the new RC fixes an Apple Music bug that prevented songs and videos from playing. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple updates firmware on older AirPods models version 6F21
Macworld Apple has updated the firmware for several older AirPods models. The new firmware revision is 6F21, the prior firmware was 6A326. The affected models are as follows: AirPods Max (lightning only) AirPods 2 AirPods 3 AirPods Pro 1 It’s everything but the new AirPods 4, the AirPods Pro 2, and the USB-C version of the AirPods Max. Apple stopped updating the original AirPods firmware some time ago, as it was discontinued and replaced by 2nd-generation AirPods (now called AirPods 2) in 2019. According to Apple’s AirPods Firmware page, this release offers only “Bug fixes and other improvements.” We expect the AirPods Pro 2 to get a firmware update any day now, to version 7B19 (or later) to enable the new Hearing Health features in iOS 18.1. Updating your AirPods firmware There isn’t a way to force an upgrade to the new firmware; it will automatically install when the AirPods are in their case and charging. It can take hours or even days to get the latest firmware. If you haven’t used your AirPods in a long time, taking them out of their case and using them for a few minutes before putting them back in and on the charger may help speed things up. To see what firmware version your AirPods are running, you can open the Settings app, select your connected AirPods (near the top), scroll down past all the options to the About section, and look at the Version line. You can also find this information in General  > About  > [name of your AirPods].

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Meet friends, track kids, send your ETA: How to use Find My
Location sharing is a highly versatile and useful feature of iOS. It proves super-handy in big public spaces like malls, amusement parks and stadiums. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Price drop: Elevate your iPad with an adjustable 8-port docking stand
Why search for an iPad dongle? This adjustable tablet stand and dock station combo comes with eight useful ports to keep your iPad connected. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple rumored to be working on new game-focused App Store & launcher
Apple is allegedly working on an entirely new App Store-type application made specifically for games, in an effort to make its products more appealing to gamers.Apple allegedly working on game focused App StoreCurrently, iPhone games can only be downloaded from the existing App Store, or through Apple Arcade, which is the company's subscription-only approach to mobile gaming.Apple's new application is said to combine aspects of the existing App Store and Game Center in one place. Specific details about the alleged application as well as its content, layout, and features were all revealed via a dedicated report. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Postbox Acquired by eM Client, Ends Development
eM Client has acquired the longtime email app Postbox and discontinued sales and development. While Postbox users can still use the app and receive support for several months, it’s time to start looking for a replacement.

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Goldman Sachs faces $50 million in fines over Apple Card issues
Goldman Sachs is facing significant penalties from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau due to alleged misconduct in its credit card… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iPhone users can try AT&T via eSIM free for 30 days
AT&T has a new offer for iPhone XR and newer owners that want to try a new carrier. Get a 30-day free trial with unlimited talk & text, 100GB of data, and more.AT&T offering a free trial via eSIM. Image credit: AT&TIf you're tired of dropped calls and spotty internet service, it may be time for a change. While eSIM technology isn't new, it is becoming more commonplace, especially since Apple dropped the physical SIM slot in iPhone 14.AT&T wants to entice potential customers with a free trial aimed at iPhone users. Check out AT&T service for free for 30 days by simply downloading the myAT&T app or visiting the AT&T website. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Exclusive: Apple working on new App Store-like app dedicated to games
It’s been a month since Apple released iOS 18 to the public, but the company is already working on future software updates. Interestingly, as Apple has been investing more in gaming, it seems that the company is now working on a new App Store-like app dedicated to games. more…

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iPad mini 7 buyers should install this update ASAP
Stay up to date with the iPadOS 18.0.1 update for your brand new iPad mini 7. It’ll enhance your device's performance with bug fixes. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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iPad mini 7 buyers should install this update ASAP
Stay up to date with the iPadOS 18.0.1 update for your brand new iPad mini 7. It’ll enhance your device's performance with bug fixes. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Apple poised to beat fiscal Q424 expectations – Morgan Stanley
Apple is anticipated to beat expectations for its fourth-quarter earnings, primarily driven by strong late-cycle sales of the iPhone 15… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Tim Cook has surprising definitions of ‘success’ for Apple Intelligence and Vision Pro
Two of Apple’s biggest bets for the future are Apple Intelligence and the Vision Pro. The former hasn’t launched yet, and the latter has received a mixed reception. But in a recent WSJ interview, CEO Tim Cook shared some surprising definitions for how he’s viewing ‘success’ for the two products. more…

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9to5Mac Daily: October 22, 2024 – App Store changes, Apple’s AI timeline
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by CardPointers: The best way to maximize your credit card rewards. Save 30% and get a $100 Savings Card today. more…

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New firmware available for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max devices
Apple has released new firmware for older AirPods models, but there isn't any information about what is contained in the update.Apple has released a new firmware for select AirPods models.Tuesday's firmware update increases the build number to 6F21, up from the previous version which was 6A326. It is only compatible with the original AirPods Pro, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and the lightning-equipped variant of the AirPods Max.While the exact contents of the firmware update are unclear, the software likely includes various bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements rather than new features, as the update is intended for older hardware. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Goldman Sachs faces $50M in fines over Apple Card failures
Goldman Sachs could be forced to pay tens of millions of dollars in fines by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, over the way it handled complaints about Apple Card and other credit cards.Apple CardGoldman Sachs is keen to get out of its arrangement with Apple for Apple Card, which could cost it millions. But, before it sells off Apple Card to another firm, it faces having to pay out even more money.The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is preparing to order Goldman Sachs to pay out penalties for issues with its credit card business, sources of the Wall Street Journal say. While the enforcement is expected this week and the total penalties unknown, it is expected to cost Goldman Sachs in excess of $50 million. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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