Alongside picks for the top iPhone, iPad, and Mac apps and games of the year, Apple today shared charts featuring the Top Games of 2020 and the Top Apps of 2020, revealing the most popular free and paid apps and games during the year.
Apple today shared its App Store Best of 2020 winners, highlighting its picks for the top iOS, iPadOS, and macOS apps and games released over the course of the year.
Apple's iPhone App of the Year award went to Wakeout!, which is a family friendly exercise and movement app that encourages people to complete easy exercises while at home. Apple's iPad App of the Year was Zoom, which soared in popularity due to the number of people working and learning from home this year.
Apple's iPhone Game of the Year was open world RPG Genshin Impact, which allows players to explore a huge game world filled with colorful monsters and earthshaking titans. The iPad Game of the Year was Legends of Runeterra, a collectible card game set in the League of Legends universe.
Apple also selected winners for Mac App of the Year, Mac Game of the Year, Apple TV App of the Year, and more.
Mac Game of the Year - Detective role-playing game Disco Elysium
Mac App of the Year - Calendar app Fantastical
Apple TV App of the Year - Streaming service Disney+
Apple TV Game of the Year - Adventure platformer Dandara Trials of Fear
Apple Watch App of the Year - Soundscape and meditation app Endel
Apple Arcade Game of the Year - Stealth game Sneaky Sasquatch
Apple also highlighted several apps that were part of the 2020 trend of "helpfulness," helping users to get the "daily self-care they needed." App picks in this category include classroom app Everything Whiteboard, kid-friendly chat app Caribu, Pokémon Go, charity app ShareTheMeal, and meditation app Shine.
Apple's Phil Schiller said that Apple in 2020 saw "remarkable efforts" from so many developers in 2020.
"This year, more than ever before, some of our most creative and connected moments happened in apps. This was thanks to the amazing work of developers who introduced fresh, helpful app experiences throughout the year," said Phil Schiller, Apple Fellow. "Around the world, we saw remarkable efforts from so many developers, and these Best of 2020 winners are 15 outstanding examples of that innovation. From helping us stay fit and mindful, to keeping our children's education on track, to helping fight hunger, their impact was meaningful to so many of us."
Each winner will receive a physical App Store Best of 2020 award, which is the first time an actual physical award has been provided to developers. Awards feature the App Store logo set into 100 percent recycled aluminum with the name of the winner engraved on the other side.
All of the apps can be downloaded from the iOS and macOS App Stores, which feature banners highlighting all of the top app picks.
Apple today began selling the MagSafe Duo Charger that was announced alongside the new iPhone 12 models back in October. Priced at $129, the MagSafe Duo offers a MagSafe charging puck for the iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, and 12 mini, along with an Apple Watch charger.
Though the accessory was announced in October and was listed as coming soon, it was not clear when it would launch. Orders placed today will deliver as soon as Thursday, December 3 when shipped, and it is not available for pickup in retail stores yet.
The MagSafe Duo features a foldable design for easier portability, and it ships with a USB-C to Lightning cable. The Apple Watch charging puck can be used flat, but there's also an option to pop it up to charge the Apple Watch upright. The MagSafe charging portion does not have the same pop up option.
Before purchasing, it's worth noting that the MagSafe Duo is not able to charge an iPhone 12 model at the full 15 watts supported by the standalone MagSafe charger. Instead, it is able to charge at a maximum of 14W when paired with the appropriate charger.
Despite the high price point, the MagSafe Duo does not ship with a power adapter. When paired with the 20W USB-C power adapter from Apple, it can charge an iPhone up to 11W, and when paired with a 27W or higher USB-C power adapter, it can charge at the aforementioned 14W.
Though designed for the iPhone 12 models, Apple says the MagSafe Duo is compatible with older iPhones, the AirPods with Wireless Charging Case, the AirPods Pro, and other devices that support Qi-based wireless charging.
Apple today released a new Display Firmware 4.2.30 update for the Pro Display XDR, with the software introducing a new Pro Display XDR Calibrator allowing for in-field recalibration.
Alongside the new calibration tool, Apple has provided a support document that walks users through calibrating the Pro Display XDR. There's a walkthrough for measuring the display, fine tuning the calibration through Displays preferences, and using the in-field recalibration.
In-field recalibrations allow the Pro Display XDR to be tuned to a third-party spectroradiometer through the feature added in the firmware update. These calibrations require the new firmware, macOS Catalina 10.15.6, and a supported spectroradiometer.
Apple also provides several tips for measuring and calibrating a Pro Display XDR, such as controlling the ambient lighting, calibrating in cool ambient temperatures, and optimal setup for spectroradiometers.
At the end of each year, Apple shares its picks for the best App Store apps, podcasts, Apple Music songs, books, and more, and today the company is highlighting the top books, audiobooks, and podcasts of 2020.
Apple also highlighted the top 10 biggest shows of 2020, which include Stuff You Should Know by iHeart Radio, This American Life, The Daily by New York Times, and Crime Junkie by audiochuck.
Apple's favorite podcast picks include California Love by LAist and KPCC, Canary by The Washington Post, Dying for Sex by Wondery, and FANTI by Maximum Fun. Apple also highlighted the biggest new shows of 2020, a list that includes Unlocking Us, Nice White Parents, CounterClock, Red Ball, and others.
The most popular books of the year included "Midnight Sun" by Stephenie Meyer, "American Dirt" by Jeanine Cummins, and "A Promised Land" by Barack Obama.
Apple's picks for best books of the year include "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett, "28 Summers" by Elin Hilderbrand, "The City We Became" by N.K. Jemisin, and "Long Bright River" by Liz Moore.
Apple named audiobooks that include "Open Book" by Jessica Simpson, "Memorial Drive" by Natasha Tretheway, and "Upstream" by Dan Heath as the best audiobooks of 2020, among others.
Apple's full lists can be found in the Books and Podcasts apps on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Microsoft today updated its Microsoft Teams software to add improvements to Teams Calling, making it easier for organizations and their employees to keep in contact with one another.
The Calls app has been overhauled to bring all of the important phone call info to one space. It includes a dial pad, call history, voicemail, contacts, and settings for a better call workflow.
Call recordings can be shared in OneDrive and SharePoint, and there's a new spam identification tool that earmarks potential spam calls so they can be ignored. Teams will also "digitally attest" outgoing calls to prevent them from being rejected by external recipients.
Of interest to Apple users, Microsoft has added CarPlay support to allow Teams users to place and receive calls in the car. CarPlay will allow Siri and the built-in vehicle controls to place and answer calls. CarPlay integration is coming soon.
Teams in 2021 will support transferring calls between mobile and desktop, a useful feature for those who need to shift locations to finish a call. Other new features include call merging to simplify multiple conversations, a low data mode for data preservation purposes, and an enhanced reverse number lookup feature that displays the name of the caller.
Microsoft has more information on the changes coming to Microsoft Teams on its website.
Apple has picked up "Acapulco," an upcoming Apple TV+ Spanish and English-language comedy that is based on the 2017 movie "How to Be a Latin Lover." The TV series will star Eugenio Derbez, who was also in the movie.
"Acapulco" will feature half-hour episodes focusing on the story of a young Mexican man who gets his dream job at the hottest resort in the city. He soon realizes the job is more complicated than he imagined, and his beliefs and morals start to be questioned.
The show takes place in 1984 with Derbez narrating and playing the present day version of the character.
The series was created by Austin Winsberg (known for "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist"), Eduardo Cisneros (known for "Half Brothers" and "Instructions Not Included"), and Jason Shuman (known for "Role Models").
"Acapulco" is one of several international Apple Original TV shows, joining action-thriller "Echo 3" set in South America, "Pachinko" based on the novel by Min Jin Lee, and espionage thriller "Slow Horses."
Samsung is reportedly developing an item tracker called the "Galaxy Smart Tag" that appears to be positioned as a rival to Apple's long-awaited AirTags product (via SamMobile).
In August, alongside the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20, the South Korean company explained how its SmartThings Find feature can locate compatible Galaxy products with greater accuracy. It is now being alleged that Samsung is using this software for a tag-like item tracker.
SamMobile spotted a new device with the name "Galaxy Smart Tag" and the model number EI-T5300 in Indonesian Telecom Certification filings. Based on the name, it is assumed that the product will integrate with Samsung's SmartThings Find feature and offer location tracking.
The parallel to Apple's rumored AirTags is striking. There has been an overwhelming amount of evidence, including extensive patent filings, design leaks, premature placement in Apple support materials, and iOS code, that Apple is preparing to launch an ultra-wideband item tracker. For some time, it has been believed that Apple is on the brink of announcing AirTags, but after repeatedly failing to appear leaks are now suggesting a March 2021 launch.
Samsung previously launched an LTE-enabled item tracker with GPS under its SmartThings brand in 2018, but it since appears to have been discontinued.
SamMobile suggests that Samsung could be looking to base its item tracking tag on ultra-wideband technology. AirTags are rumored to be based on the U1 ultra-wideband chip, which Apple is reportedly seeking to make the bedrock of its ecosystem.
If the speculation around Samsung's filing is correct, item tracking appears to be set to become another front of direct competition between Samsung and Apple. After Apple's push into consumer lending with Apple Card, earlier this year Samsung followed with Samsung Pay Card. Yesterday, it was reported that Samsung may be withholding patented periscope camera technology from Apple in order to maintain a competitive advantage with its Galaxy smartphones.
B&H Photo has extended its Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions into a week-long event, with discounts on the 16-inch MacBook Pro, 2020 iPad Pro, and more. B&H Photo's sales have been automatically applied so you won't need any special coupon codes to browse the event.
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Some of the best discounts in the sale include numerous deals across the 2020 iPad Pro range, starting at $749.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi 11-inch iPad Pro. You'll find markdowns on both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models, as well as a few lowest-ever prices for Wi-Fi and cellular devices.
You can find the highlights of the Cyber Week event from B&H Photo below, but be sure to head to the retailer's website to see the full sale. This includes deals on older model MacBooks, Apple Watch Series 6 and SE, and more.
The first iMac with a Retina 5K display is one of several iMac models that have been added to Apple's vintage products list this week.
In the past, vintage Apple products were no longer eligible for repairs at the Genius Bar or at Apple Authorized Service Providers, but Apple began offering extended repairs of select vintage products in 2018. Many of the iMac models listed below will likely remain eligible for service for the foreseeable future, subject to parts availability.
The full list of iMac models added to Apple's vintage products list:
iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013)
iMac (27-inch, Late 2013)
iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2014)
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014)
iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Mid 2015)
Apple has also added a notice that owners of new iPhone or Mac notebook products purchased after December 31, 2020 in France may obtain service and parts from Apple or Apple authorized service providers for seven years from the date the product model was last supplied by Apple for distribution into the country.
The vintage and obsolete products list has been renamed to "Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty."
Woot is continuing to offer a solid discount on Apple's AirPods Pro, which are available for $189.99, down from $249.00. This isn't as good as the $169 price tag we saw at Walmart and Amazon over Black Friday, but those sold out quite fast and Woot's deal remains ongoing and in stock into December.
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AirPods Pro are Apple's high-end Bluetooth headphones, offering active noise cancellation and many more features. The included charging case also supports Qi wireless charging, so you can recharge the headphones via any compatible Qi mat.
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.
Apple today added a shipping fulfillment page to its website in the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and many other countries. The page provides a list of "order by" deadlines for products like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, and AirPods to arrive by December 24.
"Order by" dates have already passed for some products, like the HomePod mini, but in-store pickup may be an option as inventory fluctuates.
Apple has also announced it is offering same-day delivery of eligible in-stock items ordered from an Apple Store for a discounted $5 fee through December 8 in most metropolitan areas across the United States. The fee is normally $9.
Customers will see a same-day, two-hour delivery window available during checkout on Apple.com or in the Apple Store app for in-stock iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and HomePod models, as well as AirPods, AirPods Pro, Beats, and more. For emphasis, this applies only to products that are in stock at a nearby Apple Store.
Apple's extended holiday return policy remains in effect. For eligible products received between November 10, 2020 and December 25, 2020, customers have until January 8, 2021 to initiate a return. These dates vary slightly in some countries.
An antitrust lawsuit leveled at Apple by Blix Inc. has been dismissed by a federal judge, in what appears to be a major setback for developers accusing Apple of malpractice with its App Store (via Bloomberg).
BlueMail was removed from the Mac App Store in June 2019 after Apple found the app to be in violation of several App Store Review Guidelines, including "proposing to override basic data security protections which can expose users' computers to malware that can harm their Macs and threaten their privacy." Just days later, BlueMail was restored to the Mac App Store.
Blix Inc., developer of the email app BlueMail, then filed a lawsuit accusing Apple of manipulating search results in its iOS and macOS App Stores to suppress third-party competition and push consumers towards Apple's own apps. Blix also alleged that Apple copied patented messaging technology for its "Sign In With Apple" feature before removing BlueMail from the App Store.
Judge Leonard P. Stark of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware dismissed the claims, concluding Blix had failed to offer direct or indirect evidence of Apple's monopoly power or anticompetitive conduct in violation of the Sherman Act.
"Allegations that Apple has the power to restrict competition aren't equivalent to allegations that the company actually did restrict competitors' output", Judge Stark wrote. "Even if Blix had plausibly alleged that Apple held a monopoly over apps, its failure to allege anticompetitive conduct provides an independent reason to dismiss its claims."
Judge Stark said Blix's anticompetitive-conduct claims failed because the company itself demonstrated that the App Store isn't essential to BlueMail's success. Blix told the court that BlueMail had achieved success on a range of platforms, and was sold on the market for five years before becoming available on the App Store.
Moreover, Judge Stark dismissed the claims of patent infringement on the basis that they do not fall under an exception to patent eligibility that allows for abstract ideas to be patented if they describe a "unique and inventive concept."
The case may set a precedent for similar antitrust lawsuits against Apple by developers, such as the ongoing case brought forward by Epic Games against Apple.
Zens today announced a new modular charging station for iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, and more. There are five separate pieces that you can buy individually, and attach together via magnets to build your preferred charging station.
The Dual Wireless Charger supports 30W output (one for each device on the mat), while the Single Wireless Charger supports 15W output, similar to the Stand Wireless Charger. They each include a 65W power adapter.
With one of these mats, you can add up to four extensions to the modular system. The two extensions available include the Modular Apple Watch Charger Extension (€49.99) and the Modular Single Wireless Charger Extension (€39.99). The Single Wireless Charger Extension supports a 10W output, and is aimed at the AirPods.
The new Zens modular charging accessories are available to purchase today from the company's storefront. Zens ships worldwide, and the shipping cost for deliveries to Europe is €7.99, while the cost to North America is $9.99.
When Apple revealed the MagSafe Charger for iPhone 12 in October, it also announced a MagSafe Duo Charger that would be coming in the future, but it didn't specify a release date. However, a Swiss Apple authorized reseller claims the MagSafe Duo Charger will officially launch as soon as this month.
Digitec Galaxus is a popular store in Switzerland and is allowing customers to pre-order the $129 MagSafe Duo Charger, which pairs a MagSafe iPhone charger with an Apple Watch charging puck.
The website's disclaimer currently says that orders made today will be delivered between December 16 and 23, and that these dates also go for in-store pickup. However, 9to5Mac first reported that the site said December 21, so it appears to have changed since then.
Apple hasn't provided an update on when the product will be available, so it's hard to know just how "official" the December dates are, but it's not impossible that the authorized seller is correct and that we'll see the MagSafe Duo Charger in stores before the year is out (Apple has already supplied review units to the press).
Despite the $129 price tag, the MagSafe Duo Charger doesn't come with a power adapter. This alone has caused some consternation among Apple users, but it was compounded recently after it was revealed that the MagSafe portion of the charger doesn't even charge at the full 15 watts supported by the standalone MagSafe charger.
WhatsApp has released a major update to its iPhone app that brings unlimited custom wallpapers to individuals chats for the first time.
The new ability to set custom wallpapers for different chats is an effort to make it easier for users to distinguish and identify them in the blink of an eye. WhatsApp says there's no limit on the number of custom wallpapers users can assign to different chats.
"Your WhatsApp chats hold a special place in your life, which is why we're introducing custom chat wallpapers. Make your chats personal and distinguishable by using a custom wallpaper for your most important chats and favorite people, and you never need worry about sending the wrong message in the wrong chat ever again."
WhatsApp is also rolling out the current default "doodle" wallpaper in more colors, and significantly increasing the selection of wallpapers with more images of nature and architecture from around the world.
Notably, users can now also set a separate wallpaper which activates when their phone switches from light to dark mode.
In addition to the new wallpaper options, WhatsApp says it is making it easier to quickly search and find stickers with text or emoji and browse through common categories. The update includes new sticker packs, too, including The World Health Organization's "Together at Home" animated stickers.
WhatsApp Messenger is a free download for iPhone from the App Store [Direct Link].
This World AIDS Day, Apple has announced an expanded partnership with (RED) to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa while simultaneously protecting those communities from COVID-19.
Apple says it will direct 100 percent of eligible proceeds from (PRODUCT)RED purchases to the Global Fund's COVID-19 Response to help provide services and treatment to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
In 2006, Apple joined (RED)'s mission to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the last 14 years, Apple's partnership with (RED) has led to almost $250 million in donations for the Global Fund's HIV/AIDS programs that offer prevention, testing, and counseling services. Since 2006, Apple-supported grants have provided over 10.8 million people with care and support services, helped with distribution of more than 167 million HIV tests, and provided 13.8 million people with ongoing access to life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment.
This year, communities around the world are grappling with HIV/AIDS as they also work to respond and protect against COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable populations. COVID-19 has created challenges in accessing care, diagnostics, and supplies, often disrupting crucial HIV/AIDS programs. To alleviate these challenges and ensure continuity in life-saving HIV/AIDS services, Apple's contributions were redirected to the Global Fund's COVID-19 Response at the onset of the pandemic earlier this year. Thanks in part to support from Apple and Apple customers, the Global Fund's COVID-19 Response has been able to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on the communities most affected by HIV/AIDS and provide critical support in health systems threatened by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Apple has a wide range of new (PRODUCT)RED devices and accessories available this holiday season, including iPhone 12 (PRODUCT)RED, iPhone 12 mini (PRODUCT)RED, and Apple Watch Series 6 (PRODUCT)RED.
Through June 30, 2021, Apple says it will direct all eligible proceeds from these purchases to the Global Fund's COVID-19 Response. In addition, through December 7, Apple is donating $1 for every purchase made with Apple Pay on apple.com, in the Apple Store app, or at an Apple Store to the Global Fund's COVID-19 Response.
The World AIDS Day collection in the Apple TV app lets viewers explore stories that reveal the human cost of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
To raise visibility for World AIDS Day and the ongoing effort to eradicate HIV/AIDS, hundreds of Apple stores are marking the day with red logos or window displays. Meanwhile, on Apple Music, listeners can tune into the debut of "Jaiye" ("Time of Our Lives") by Nigerian musician LADIPOE, remixed by DJ Sigag and Aluna — the first single off "DANCE (RED) SAVE LIVES Vol. III." Users can also listen to the interview with LADIPOE, Aluna, and Don Jazzy on The Ebro Show on Apple Music 1, or check out curated music and more in a special Apple Music feature.
In the Apple TV app, Apple is also running a World AIDS Day collection in the Watch Now tab that explores stories that reveal the human cost of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Elsewhere, the App Store is highlighting Medisafe (MediSafe), an app that helps users manage their medications, and OkaySo (Tincan Labs), which provides an anonymous place for people to ask sensitive health questions and get expert answers.
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.
Apple has published a feature highlighting its PPE donations to Zambia and how it has been redirecting PRODUCT(RED) proceeds to help the Global Fund's efforts in the fight against COVID-19 and HIV in sub-saharan Africa.
This year, COVID-19 drastically changed the landscape of healthcare, and the Global Fund, which coordinates these shipments to help fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, had to react quickly to respond to this second pandemic. It established the COVID-19 Response Mechanism, which is adapting existing Global Fund programs so that people receiving lifesaving treatments, including lifelong antiretroviral therapy, can continue to do so safely.
Apple began working with (RED) in 2006 and has launched dozens of products and accessories through the campaign, including the latest iPhone 12 and iPhone SE (PRODUCT)RED models. As a result of those sales, Apple and its customers have raised almost $250 million toward the Global Fund’s efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. As COVID-19 spread across the world, Apple redirected (PRODUCT)RED proceeds toward the Response Mechanism and will continue to do so until June 30, 2021. Apple also donated millions of units of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Ministry of Health in Zambia. That includes both surgical face masks Apple sourced from its supply chain as well as face shields designed and produced by Apple.
The article highlights the impact that the PPE provision has made in cutting the transmission of coronavirus infections among patients at HIV clinics in Zambia. COVID-19 disproportionately kills people with preexisting conditions, meaning patients have been afraid to go to health facilities for their daily antiretrovirals (ARVs), supplied through the Global Fund. PPE provision has physically and mentally helped protect both workers and patients, allowing the fight against HIV/AIDs and coronavirus to continue.
Zambia has seen significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS over the last two decades. In 2003, 61,000 Zambians were dying from AIDS-related illnesses every year. Because of the work of the Global Fund, in partnership with the government of Zambia and healthcare providers, AIDS-related deaths have declined by over 70 percent and new infections have been cut in half since their peak. The Global Fund also supports a larger goal that’s spearheaded by the United Nations: End the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
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.
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