The team behind the "unc0ver" jailbreaking tool for iOS has released version 5.0.0 of its software that claims to have the ability to jailbreak "every signed iOS version on every device" using a zero-day kernel vulnerability by Pwn20wnd, a renowned iOS hacker. The announcement comes just days after it was announced that the tool would soon launch. The unc0ver website highlights how the tool has been tested extensively across a range of iOS devices on several different software versions. The site also mentions that the jailbreaking tool is compatible across all devices running between iOS 11.0 and iOS 13.5.
As for security, unc0ver's website says it utilizes "native system sandbox exceptions" so that "security remains intact while enabling access to jailbreak files."
Before the release of unc0ver's jailbreak tool, the only way to jailbreak devices up to the iPhone 8 and iPhone X was by using the "checkra1n" tool.
Unc0ver's latest jailbreaking tool can be downloaded now from its website.
In this week's App Recap, we've highlighted three apps that are worth checking out. We've also compiled a list of apps that received major updates this week.
Apps to Check Out
Voice Dream Reader (iOS, $9.99) - Voice Dream reader, a text-to-speech app featured in the Today section of the App Store, has been one of the most popular accessibility apps since its launch eight years ago. The app supports the reading of PDF files, Web articles, plain text files, and more. Upon purchasing the app, users are welcomed with both 36 built in iOS voices in 27 languages and one premium Acapela voice, and over 200 other premium voices are available through in-app purchases. Voice Dream Reader also features several tools such as bookmarking, text highlighting, and annotations. There are several different reading styles that can also be customized to the likings of the user such as contrast, font size, auto-scrolling, and more. Outside of the accessibility space, the app's reading style can also be set to one of several unique settings.
SmartGym: Gym & Home Workouts (iOS, Free) - SmartGym, a popular fitness app, is being updated soon with several new features. The app lets users create and manage workout routines, view over 250 pre-installed exercises, view many pre-made workouts tailored to the interests of the user, and more. In addition, the standalone Apple Watch app can be used for tracking the health data of the user. It's worth noting that the free version of the app only provides access to two routines, 10 histories, and two measures. To access unlimited routines, measurements, and histories, users have the option to subscribe to monthly or yearly plans, which start at $4.99 and $29.99 respectively. The app's update will feature a new Smart Trainer feature which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create personalized workouts for the user, plus additional exercises, a new design, and more.
BIAS FX 2 (iOS, Free) - BIAS FX 2, the successor to the popular Guitar Amp and Effects app BIAS FX, was recently released with an updated library of amps and effects. The updated library features new versions of pedals, HD studio rack effects, and effect modelers, which gives users a multitude of options when creating their own unique sound. In addition, the Looper feature was introduced as part of the update, which is a songwriting tool that allows users to practice and record directly from an iOS device. The app is free to download, but additional effects require in-app purchases.
App Updates
Copilot (iOS) - Subscription based finance and budgeting app Copilot this week announced support for importing Apple Card data directly into its app. Apple Card users are now able to take advantage of Copilot's budgeting and transaction monitoring tools without having to copy over the data manually into the app.
Google - Google this week updated its Google Search app with Dark Mode support. It is also worth noting that users still running iOS 12 can utilize the feature by enabling the setting within the app.
Photoshop (iPad) - Adobe this week updated its Photoshop app with two new features. Curves allows users to adjust several aspects of an image while preserving its quality. Users with an Apple Pencil will also notice new pressure sensitivity adjustments that allows for more precision when using brush-based tools.
Twitter - Twitter this week announced that it has starting testing new settings that allow users to control who can reply to a tweet. Users can select everyone, people you follow, and only people you mention as options for who can reply to a specific tweet. The feature is currently being tested within a small number of users globally, and Twitter plans to roll the feature out to all users should testing prove successful.
Testing, testing...
A new way to have a convo with exactly who you want. We’re starting with a small % globally, so keep your 👀 out to see it in action. pic.twitter.com/pV53mvjAVT
— Twitter (@Twitter) May 20, 2020
Reply if there’s a better app
— Twitter (@Twitter) May 20, 2020
"Original series and films to inspire the next generation of dreamers, explorers, and believers. All on Apple TV+," the video description says.
The ad features the Apple TV+ kids shows "Ghost Writer," "Helpsters," "Snoopy in Space," and the short-film "Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth."
The ad is part of Apple's drive to increase Apple TV+ subscriptions amid heated competition from other rival streaming services, such as Disney+ and Netflix, which have a wealth of content aimed at children. Earlier this week, it rumors suggested Apple is considering buying some older shows, in addition to its original productions, to make the Apple TV+ library more competitive.
Apple TV+ provides original movies and TV shows for $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, plus there's a free year of service for those who have recently purchased an Apple device. For those who don't qualify for the free year, Apple offers a one-week free trial. Check out our step-by-step instructions for getting up and running from various devices.
It was another big week for rumors this week, with a flurry of reports about Apple's augmented reality glasses, the iPhone 12, and Apple's "AirPods Studio" over-ear headphones. This week also saw the release of iOS 13.5, bringing a number of health-related updates to Apple's mobile devices.
Other topics of interest this week included our look at Comply's replacement foam ear tips for the AirPods Pro, and some signs that existing supplies of the HomePod may be shrinking, suggesting we may be getting closer to the release of an update or a rumored lower-cost model. Read on below and click on the video above for a full recap of this week's biggest stories!
'Apple Glass' Rumored to Start at $499, Support Prescription Lenses, and More
Following last week's rumor from Ming-Chi Kuo about Apple's augmented reality glasses potentially launching in 2022, we've seen a flurry of new rumors led by a massive report from Jon Prosser sharing quite a few details he's heard about them.
Prosser says the glasses will be called "Apple Glass" and will start at $499, with prescription lenses available for an additional cost. In line with previous rumors, he says Apple Glass will rely on a paired iPhone for most of its functionality, allowing the glasses themselves to be as slim and light as possible.
According to Prosser's sources, Apple's original plans involved unveiling Apple Glass at the annual iPhone event in September or October, but restrictions on in-person gatherings could push the debut back to a March 2021 event. A second report from DigiTimes offers a similar timeline, indicating that "small-volume production" could begin in the first half of next year, with a launch sometime later in the year.
Apple Releases iPadOS and iOS 13.5 With Exposure Notification API, Face ID Mask Updates, Group FaceTime Changes and More
Apple this week released iOS 13.5, a major health-related update that brings many features related to the ongoing public health crisis. Most notably, it delivers the COVID-19 Exposure Notification API that will let public health entities build apps to alert users if they've been in close proximity to someone who later tests positive for the virus.
iOS 13.5 also makes it easier to unlock a Face ID device while wearing a mask, bringing up the passcode entry screen more quickly when a mask is detected. And for those users spending more time on Group FaceTime, Apple has added an option to turn off the Automatic Prominence feature that enlarges the tile of whoever is speaking. Finally, there's a new feature that lets your Medical ID information be automatically shared with first responders when placing an emergency call.
There's also an iPadOS 13.5 update with a subset of the iPhone features, as well as a watchOS 6.2.5 update that brings the ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications to Saudi Arabia and adds new Pride watch faces.
iPhone 12 May Not Come With EarPods in the Box, Apple to Introduce AirPods Promotion in Second Half of 2020
According to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple's iPhone 12 lineup later this year may not include EarPods wired earphones in the box. While Apple has included wired earphones since the original iPhone in 2007, many users these days don't use the included earphones, instead opting for their own preferred wired or wireless accessories.
Given the popularity of Apple's wireless AirPods lineup, the move would likely increase demand for those accessories, and Kuo says Apple will likely offer a "special AirPods promotion" late in the year, although he doesn't specify what that promotion might be.
In other iPhone 12 news, an extensive report from display analyst Ross Young outlines his expectations for all four iPhone 12 models, ranging from a 2340x1080 5.4-inch display on the smallest one to a 2778x1284 display on the largest 6.7-inch model.
And finally, this week saw perhaps our first significant part leak for the iPhone 12 in the form of the main logic board. The part in question appears to have been manufactured in October 2019, which would make it a relatively early prototype, so we'll have to see if that's what ends up in one of the final phone designs.
Smaller, Lower-Priced HomePod Appears Increasingly Closer to Launching
In addition to Best Buy offering the HomePod on sale for $199.99 this week, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman notes that Apple employees are now able to purchase up to 10 HomePods at a 50 percent discount, up from a limit of two. The larger purchase limit could be part of Apple's efforts to clear out inventory of the current HomePod ahead of the new model.
Finally, the HomePod was listed as "sold out" on Apple's online store in the United States last week, although only briefly.
Hands-On With Comply's Foam Tips for AirPods Pro
Apple's AirPods Pro ship with silicone tips that fit inside the ears, but people who prefer the tighter or more comfortable fit of foam have been modding their earbuds to add a foam layer. That's no longer necessary, as well-known earphone tips company Comply is now shipping its foam tips that are compatible with AirPods Pro.
We picked up a pair of the new Comply Foam Tips for AirPods Pro, which come as a set of three pairs for $25, and tested them out in our latest YouTube video to see how they fit and whether they're an improvement over the silicone tips that the AirPods Pro ship with.
Apple's 'AirPods Studio' Over-Ear Headphones Have Reportedly Kicked Off Production
We've been hearing quite a bit recently about Apple's long-rumored over-ear headphones, said to be called "AirPods Studio," and it looks like a launch may be coming in the relatively near future.
Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.
An app bug is causing some iOS users to be unable to open their apps, with affected iPhone and iPad users seeing the message "This app is no longer shared with you" when attempting to access an app.
There are multiple complaints about the issue on the MacRumors forums and on Twitter from users who are running into problems. A MacRumors reader describes the issue:
Is anyone else experiencing widespread app crashes? I am suddenly being informed that "this app is no longer shared with you" from several iOS apps. When I follow the prompt to the app's App Store page, the only option is to "open" which then just puts me back into the same loop.
Dozens of Twitter complaints suggest the issue is affecting people running both iOS 13.4.1 and iOS 13.5, and it's not clear what's causing the problem as not everyone appears to be affected. Some users have had the problem occur after updating apps in the last day.
There have been complaints about many apps including YouTube, Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, LastPass, and more. We updated the WhatsApp app an iPhone on iOS 13.5 prior to writing this article and immediately got the error message.
How to Fix 'This App is No Longer Shared'
People impacted by the issue have been able to fix their apps by deleting the app that's not working and reinstalling it. Offloading the app rather than deleting it will also fix the problem. The benefit of Offloading an app is that you won't lose any data, and you can pick up right where you left off.
To offload, go to Settings -> General -> iPhone Storage -> Scroll down to the App with the problem -> Tap on the App Name -> Tap on Offload App
Vessel offers a range of backpacks, briefcases, bags, luggage, and other items, and the Signature 2.0 Backpack is one of its most popular items.
Priced at $235, the Signature 2.0 Backpack is designed to be an everyday bag that can carry all of your essentials with its myriad pockets, but it's also sleek, compact, and attractive.
The backpack features a dual zipper main compartment for holding larger items, an exterior zip up pocket at the front with space for a smartphone and headphones, and a padded compartment that fits up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro.
The laptop compartment features a slip pocket and internal mesh compartments, along with a velour-lined zippered pocket. A vertical side pocket provides easy access to something like a smartphone, and another zippered compartment at the bottom can hold even more.
The Signature 2.0 Backpack has padded shoulder straps and a mesh back panel, which works well with a suitcase, such as Vessel's Signature 2.0 Luggage, which matches the backpack.
The Signature 2.0 Luggage measures in at 14.5 inches by 10 inches by 21 inches and it features 360-degree wheels that make it easy to push or pull along when traveling.
There's a main suitcase compartment for transporting clothes and other necessities, and there's a front pocket with a padded laptop sleeve and multiple pockets to house all of your accessories. Both the Signature 2.0 Backpack and the Signature 2.0 Luggage are made from a micro-suede synthetic leather available in a range of colors like tan, stone, gray, and rose gold.
Vessel's animal friendly synthetic leather is a solid alternative to natural leather with a soft, smooth touch and water resistance, which is useful in bad weather. Vessel says that its leather holds up well over time because the structure is similar to genuine leather.
We have a Signature 2.0 Backpack and Signature 2.0 Suitcase to give away to a MacRumors reader, with the winner able to pick the color of their choice. To enter to win our giveaway, use the Gleam.io widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook page.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
The contest will run from today (May 22) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time on May 29. The winner will be chosen randomly on May 29 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.
Apple's creative "Bounce" ad designed to highlight the AirPods took top honors in the 99th annual ADC (Art Director's Club) awards for advertising, earning the "Best of Discipline" award along with two Gold Cube awards in the craft in video and branded content categories.
Released in June 2019, the ad features a bored man who pulls his AirPods off of their wireless charging pad and then pops outside to bounce over street items that are bouncy like a trampoline. The song "I Learnt Some Jazz Today" plays in the background while he bounces throughout town.
The ad was created by Apple's longtime advertising partner TBWA\Media Arts Lab, and the One Club website where awards are announced has a behind the scenes video that gives some insight into how it was filmed. All of the physical bouncing was done in camera with various props, with a city set built in an airport hangar.
Cobra Mobile's "Towers of Everland" has launched on Apple Arcade for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac. The game is described as combining elements of exploration, combat, and RPG into an adventure quest.
Welcome to the Towers of Everland, where exploration, combat and RPG elements merge to create an amazing experience that delivers true adventure within an unfolding journey that will keep you coming back for more!
Are you brave enough to conquer all the Towers? With endless variation, no two games are ever the same!
On your epic journey, test your skills in battle against the hordes of fiendish monsters you encounter along the way!
Amass weapons and armor from hundreds of unique pieces as your legendary adventure progresses. What weapons you truly master is up to you!
Help rebuild and revitalize the Great City. Uncover the power of the Guilds and craft wondrous new weapons and armor to better challenge all enemies who stand before you!
"Towers of Everland" is available on the App Store and Mac App Store with an Apple Arcade subscription. The service provides iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac users with access to over 100 games with no in-app purchases or ads for $4.99 per month.
Amazon has returned the AirPods with Wireless Charging Case to their low price of $149.98, down from $199.00. This is the Amazon all-time-low price that appeared earlier in the month, and it remains the best deal we've ever tracked for this model of the 2019 AirPods.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
These AirPods include Apple's Wireless Charging Case, which allows you to refuel the headphones on any Qi-compatible wireless charging mat. If you place an order today, Amazon's delivery estimate states that the AirPods should arrive between Monday, May 25 and Wednesday, May 27.
If you're shopping for the AirPods Pro, Verizon still has the best deal around: you can get the high-end wireless AirPods Pro for $219.99, down from $249.00 for a limited time. This $30 discount is applied automatically after you place the AirPods Pro in your shopping cart.
Verizon supports free two day shipping, and some retail stores are offering same-day pick-up for some locations across the United States. This is $5 under AT&T's current price on the headphones, and one of the lowest prices we have ever seen for new AirPods Pro.
We track sales for every model of the AirPods in our Best AirPods Deals guide, so be sure to bookmark that page while you shop around for the wireless headphones.
We've been hearing quite a bit recently about Apple's long-rumored over-ear headphones, said to be called "AirPods Studio," and it looks like a launch may be coming in the relatively near future.
Artist mockup based on Beats Studio3
Rumors have generally suggested a summer or fall launch for AirPods Studio, with a report earlier this week claiming that suppliers in Vietnam will begin shipments to Apple in June or July, but a new report from Taiwanese site DigiTimes indicates that production on the new headphones is already underway.
As Apple is likely to accelerate dropping its wired earphones, the vendor will resume normal shipments for AirPods 2 in the second half of the year and its new over-ear headphones, dubbed AirPods Studio, has also kicked off production, all securing growth momentum for rigid-flex boards suppliers for the devices, including Unitech Printed Circuit Board and Compeq Manufacturing, the sources said.
The mention comes in a larger story about circuit board suppliers for the whole AirPods lineup and doesn't include any further details on the AirPods Studio, but it certainly looks like a launch is coming sooner rather than later.
Apple's virtual Worldwide Developers Conference, which kicks off exactly one month from today, could be a good opportunity to introduce the new headphones, although they are not necessarily a developer-focused product and so Apple may opt for a separate launch so as to not distract from the focus of the event.
Among the AirPods Studio details revealed in recent rumors are a $349 price point matching the Beats Studio3 pricing, a pair of models in premium leather-like and more breathable fitness-friendly fabrics, ear and headband padding that attaches magnetically for easy swapping, and embedded sensors for head and neck detection and automatically routing left and right audio channels to the appropriate earcups regardless of which way the headphones are worn.
We're now just a few days away from Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, and numerous retailers have opened up discounts in celebration of the holiday. This includes sales on helpful Apple-related accessories like Anker's portable batteries, Beats headphones at eBay, Incase and Incipio's protective iPad and iPhone cases, Mophie's iPhone battery cases, JBL's Bluetooth speakers, and much more.
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.
Anker
There are a few sales on Anker products on Amazon this week, offering savings on wireless chargers, portable batteries, and a Bluetooth speaker. Some of these sales will expire on Sunday, May 24, so be sure to head to Amazon to check out the discounts soon.
Also note that these don't require a coupon code, although you will need to clip the on-page coupon for the Bluetooth speaker discount. You can find all of the Anker accessories on sale in the list below.
This week, Best Buy is discounting Apple's HomePod smart speaker to $199.99, down from $299.99. This $100 discount remains one of the best that we've tracked for a new HomePod, and definitely worth checking out if you've been shopping for the smart speaker.
eBay
eBay is offering 20 percent off this Memorial Day, with a coupon that lets you save on select home and garden, tech, and fashion products. You can shop through all of these categories on eBay and then enter the coupon code PICK2SAVE before May 25 to see the savings.
You'll have to spend $50 minimum to use the code, and the maximum you can get taken off is $100. The code can be used up to two times. In the tech category you'll find deals on AirPods, Jabra headphones, Nintendo Switch Lite, Apple Watch, Beats headphones, and more.
Twelve South
Twelve South has a series of discounts on its most popular accessories this Memorial Day. You can find each sale on this landing page, and we've listed them all below. These deals will last through Monday, May 25.
Incase has a 20 percent off sitewide sale going on through Memorial Day on May 25. Just use the coupon code THANKS20 during the checkout screen and you'll see the markdown on Incase's products. The company offers a wide variety of cases, bags, and other accessories for Apple devices like the AirPods Pro, MacBook Pro, and iPad.
Mophie
On Zagg.com, you'll find discounts taking 30 percent or more off select accessories. Discounts start with Mophie's Juice Pack Air battery cases for the iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and X. These cases are each running for $59.95, down from an original price of $99.95.
You can also save on Mophie's portable batteries, like the Powerstation XXL for $39.95, down from $99.95. This accessory provides 20,000 mAh of battery power to help power up your iPhone or iPad while you're traveling.
Other devices on sale include Mophie's wireless chargers, Invisible Shield's screen protectors, iFrogz and Braven's Bluetooth headphones, and Zagg's iPad keyboards. Shop every product on sale across the Zagg brands right here.
JBL
The Harman and JBL family of audio products have a big Memorial Day sale this year, offering 15 to 50 percent off select devices. This includes speakers like the JBL Flip 5 for $99.95, down from $119.95; the JBL Link Music for $79.95, down from $119.95; and the JBL Pulse 4 for $199.95, down from $249.95.
There are also a few Bluetooth headphones being discounted, like the JBL Endurane DIVE for $49.95, down from $89.95. For truly wireless headphones, JBL sells the JBL Tune 120TWS for $79.95, down from $99.95. Be sure to visit the retailer's website to check out all of the Memorial Day discounts, and get free two day shipping on select items.
Scosche
Scosche is offering its customers 30 percent off sitewide and free shipping through May 31. You can use the coupon code HOMEBOUND at the checkout screen to get this offer, and it's only valid on regularly priced items.
Satechi
Satechi is offering 15 percent off your purchase on Satechi.net through May 25 with the coupon code MEMORIAL. If you spend over $100 on the retailer's website, you can take 20 percent off your purchase with the code MEMORIAL20.
Miscellaneous
Adorama - Save on digital cameras, camera gimbals, computers, and more.
Belkin - Save on iPhone docks, wireless chargers, HomeKit accessories, and more.
The FBI broke the law when it powered on a suspect's smartphone to take a photo of his lock screen without a warrant, a U.S. District Court Judge has ruled (via Ars Technica).
In a Seattle court, Judge John Coughenour determined that gathering evidence from a lock screen constitutes a search, therefore doing so without first obtaining a warrant violates the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable search seizure.
Joseph Sam from Washington state was arrested in May 2019 and indicted on several charges related to robbery and assault. The suspect was in possession of a Motorola smartphone. According to Sam, one of the officers present at his arrest pressed the power button to bring up the phone's lock screen.
What is known is that on February 13, 2020, the FBI removed Mr. Sam's phone from inventory, powered the phone on, and took a photograph of the lock screen [...] The photograph shows the name “STREEZY” right underneath the time and date.
The suspect's name revealed on the phone's unlock screen turned out to be useful evidence. Sam's lawyer subsequently filed a motion arguing that this evidence should not have been sought without a warrant and should therefore be suppressed.
Judge Coughenour ruled that the police were within their rights to look at the lock screen at the time of the arrest, given that certain circumstances allow for a search to take place without a warrant. However, investigators involved in later search and seizure must obtain a warrant first.
The police's examination took place either incident to a lawful arrest or as part of the police's efforts to inventory the personal effects found during Mr. Sam's arrest. The FBI's examination, by contrast, occurred long after the police had arrested Mr. Sam and inventoried his personal effects. Those examinations present significantly different legal issues […]
The FBI physically intruded on Mr. Sam's personal effect when the FBI powered on his phone to take a picture of the phone's lock screen.
Usually when the topic of a smartphone search comes up in court, the question has to do with forcing suspects to unlock their phone, so this is the first case where merely viewing a lock screen has been subject to judicial scrutiny.
A 2019 U.S. court ruling judged that law enforcement officials can't force smartphone users to unlock their devices using fingerprints or other biometric features such as facial recognition, since doing so would run afoul of the Fourth and Fifth Amendments.
Previous to the 2019 ruling, multiple cases involved law enforcement forcing suspects to unlock their iPhones and other devices using biometric authentication.
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Woot today has a collection of refurbished iPhones on sale, starting at $129.99 for the 32GB iPhone 7. There are multiple colors in the sale, and you can also opt for the 128GB or 256GB iPhone 7.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Woot. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
In total, there are sales on the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Head to Woot to browse all of the iPhones on sale.
All of these smartphones have been refurbished and are expected to have a moderate level of wear and tear, but Woot promises that each device has been tested and will be in full working condition. Additionally, batteries are tested to function at minimum 85 percent capacity.
Lastly, Woot today also has a deal on the Retina 4K 21.5-inch iMac from 2017 (3.0 GHz, 8GB RAM, 1TB) for $979.99, down from an original price of $1,299.00. Woot notes that this iMac is brand new and factory sealed, but it does not come with an Apple warranty. Instead, you'll receive a one year iRecertify Warranty.
Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.
WhatsApp is testing the use of QR codes to let users add contacts to the messaging platform, reports WABetaInfo.
The feature appears in beta versions for both iOS and Android, and can be found in the app's settings menu, which includes options to display your own QR code and scan the codes of other users. QR codes can also be revoked if users decide they'd rather not share their number with someone anymore.
The beta feature is a long-overdue way of adding contacts to WhatsApp directly. Currently users must first add a contact via the Contacts tab in Apple's Phone app. Only after then can they open WhatsApp and send them a message.
Using a QR code instead would skip this step and make the process a lot more convenient, although it's unknown when the feature will make it into a public release.
WhatsApp recently implemented new restrictions on the mass forwarding of messages in an effort to slow the spread of misinformation on the chat platform, and also added a group video chat capability for up to eight users at once.
Former Apple executive and iOS chief Scott Forstall made a rare public appearance this week at Code.org's virtual Code Break event, and in between classes, Forstall shared the intriguing story of how he was hired by Steve Jobs.
Forstall revealed that he had been considering working at Microsoft when he went to interview at NexT, the company started by Jobs after he had left Apple. Forstall described the NexT interview as "intense," involving seventeen people over the course of the day.
However, ten minutes into the first interview, Jobs burst into the room and grabbed the interviewer and took him out into the hallway. The two had an animated discussion as Forstall waited. Eventually, Jobs came back into the room to personally conduct the interview with him.
"He just started peppering me with question after question, and after about 15 minutes we really clicked – on design, philosophy, and a bunch of other things," Forstall recalled.
"Eventually he stopped, and said, 'I know you have to interview for the rest of the day. I don't care what anyone says, at the end of the day, I'm giving you an offer. But please, pretend you're interested in everyone's questions throughout the rest of the day.' Then he looked at me and said, 'I'm sure you're going to accept this offer.' So this was his way to convince me."
Forstall went on to reveal that he'd also had an offer from Microsoft, which he subsequently turned down that day. The next morning, he found a dead fish in a box on his doorstep.
Reminded of the mafia's use of a dead fish delivery as a threat, Forstall checked the box for a return address: It was from Microsoft. So Forstall called up his contact there, but it turned out the company had sent him a fresh king salmon from Seattle's Pike Place fish market, implying that he wouldn't be able to buy fish like that if he moved to the Bay Area.
Forstall said he ended up cooking the fish and eating it that evening, and then went on to work with Steve Jobs at NeXT and then Apple for the next 20 years, before departing the company in 2013.
The video is embedded above. You can watch the part where Forstall's shares his experience of joining NeXT and working with Jobs from around the 34-minute mark.
Google is currently rolling out an update for Google Maps that aims to make it easier for wheelchair users to get information about the accessibility of locations.
By enabling the app's Accessible Places feature, users can benefit from increased visibility of businesses and places of interest on the map that are marked as wheelchair-accessible, including whether a location has accessible seating, restroom facilities, or wheelchair-friendly parking.
The accessibility information has actually been around for a while, hidden deeper in the Maps interface, but Google said it wanted to make it more clear to users that it was available:
People can now turn on an “Accessible Places” feature to have wheelchair accessibility information more prominently displayed in Google Maps. When Accessible Places is switched on, a wheelchair icon will indicate an accessible entrance and you’ll be able to see if a place has accessible seating, restrooms or parking. If it’s confirmed that a place does not have an accessible entrance, we’ll show that information on Maps as well.
Here's how to enable the Accessible Places feature:
Launch Google Maps on your iOS device.
Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
Tap Settings.
Select Accessibility.
Turn on Accessible Places.
Once that's done, users should see a wheelchair icon next to any place with accessible facilities. Tap a location to see more information.
Google says it's also rolling out an update that allows people using iOS devices to more easily contribute accessibility information. This guide has tips for rating accessibility, in case users aren't sure what counts as being "accessible."
Apple is working on a limited-edition version of its augmented reality smart glasses that's designed to look like the round, frameless glasses that Steve Jobs was famous for wearing, according to Jon Prosser.
Prosser, who runs YouTube show Front Page Tech and who has been sharing a flood of Apple rumors in recent weeks, mentioned the detail in Cult of Mac's latest Cultcast podcast.
Prosser says that the "Steve Jobs Heritage" edition version of the "Apple Glass" smart glasses that Apple is working on will be similar to the gold Apple Watch that was available when the Apple Watch first launched.
"They're also working on a prototype, a Steve Jobs Heritage Edition," Prosser said. "Similar to how we had an Apple Watch Edition, like that ridiculous $10,000 gold one when it first came out." Prosser went on to call the glasses "Some like tribute to Steve Jobs, obviously just like a pure marketing ploy at this point."
According to Prosser, Apple's smart glasses will come in a range of styles, with the "Heritage Edition" positioned as a limited time special version. He said he doesn't know what material the heritage version will be made from, nor how much it will cost.
Prosser also said that he has seen a prototype version of the smart glasses (the non-limited edition model) and called them "sleek as hell," similar to a pair of classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers or the glasses that Apple CEO Tim Cook wears.
Wayfarers from Ray-Ban
Both lenses have displays, and there are no "projector" components, with Prosser describing Apple as using in-display technology. They're "made to look like glasses" without cameras and other tech "all over the place." At launch, Apple glasses will be similar to the original Apple Watch - a product that will be simple to start out with, but will evolve over time.
Earlier this week, Prosser claimed that Apple's smart glasses will be called as "Apple Glass," despite the fact that Google already used the "Glass" name for Google Glass years ago. The glasses will reportedly be priced starting at $499, and will be available with prescription lenses for an additional fee.
Prosser said that Apple was planning to unveil the glasses as a "One More Thing" surprise at the iPhone event in the fall, but the announcement could be pushed back to a March 2021 event due to the global health crisis.
It's worth noting that Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who has a well-established track record for sharing info on Apple's plans, has called all of Prosser's smart glasses leaks "complete fiction."
Do I even need to say that this (along with the rest of the Apple AR glasses stories in the past week) is complete fiction? https://t.co/oLK3VVbz8H
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) May 21, 2020
Here's where I think the confusion is: There are two devices: An Apple mixed AR and VR headset (N301) that is planned to be announced as early as 2021 (delayed from 2020) and released in 2022. There is also the pure AR glasses (N421) that won't launch till end of 2022 or 2023.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) May 21, 2020
Full details from Prosser are available in the Cultcast podcast, with the relevant information starting at about 57 minutes into the show.
"Little Voice," a half-hour coming of age drama created by J.J. Abrams, Sara Bareilles, and Jessie Nelson is set to launch on Apple TV+ on Friday, July 10.
"Little Voice" follows Bess King, a talented performer who struggles to fulfill her dreams while navigating rejection, love, and complicated family issues. Apple says the "intensely romantic" show is about "finding your authentic voice -- and the courage to use it."
The series, which is produced by J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions, will feature original music by Sara Barellies. J.J. Abrams, Barellies, Ben Stephenson, and Jessie Nelson are executive producers, with Nelson writing and directing the first episode.
Stars in the show include Brittany O'Grady, Sean Teale, Colton Ryan, Shalini Bathina, Kevin Valdez, Phillip Johnson Richardson, and Chuck Cooper.
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WhatsApp is testing the use of QR codes to let users add contacts to the messaging platform, reports 
Former Apple executive and iOS chief Scott Forstall made a rare public appearance this week at Code.org's 
