Apple is updating its privacy policy for the Apple Card because it wants to share more anonymized data with Goldman Sachs, the financial partner that backs the card. Apple plans to share additional data with Goldman Sachs for improving how credit is assigned to new customers.
According to TechCrunch, data that is collected is aggregated and anonymized, and there is an opt-out option for new customers.
Apple says that sharing more data could expand the kind of user that is able to apply for an Apple Card. For those who apply and are not approved, there's also a new option to share more personal data with Goldman Sachs, such as purchase history of Apple products. The new wording of the privacy policy is below:
"You may be eligible for certain Apple Card programs provided by Goldman Sachs based on the information provided as part of your application. Apple may know whether you receive the invitation to participate and whether you accept or decline the invitation, and may share that information with Goldman Sachs to effectuate the program. Apple will not know additional details about your participation in the program.
Apple may use information about your account with Apple, such as the fact that you have Apple Card, for internal research and analytics purposes, such as financial forecasting. Apple may also use information about your relationship with Apple, such as what Apple products you have purchased, how long you have had your Apple ID, and how often you transact with Apple, to improve Apple Card by helping to identify Apple metrics that may assist Goldman Sachs in improving credit decisioning. No personally identifiable information about your relationship with Apple will be shared with Goldman Sachs to identify the relevant Apple metrics. You can opt out of this use or your Apple relationship information by emailing our privacy team at dpo@apple.com with the subject line "Apple Relationship Data and Apple Card."
Applicants and cardholders may be able to choose to share the identified metrics with Goldman Sachs for re-evaluation of their offer of credit or to increase their credit line. Apple may share information about your relationship with Apple with our service providers, who are obligated to handle the information consistent with this notice and Apple instructions, are required to use reasonable security measures to protect any personal information received, and must delete the personal information as soon as they have completed the services."
Along with these privacy policy changes, Apple is introducing more detail to internal transactions. There will be no more ambiguity about charges that are labeled Apple Services, and it will now more clearly state exactly what has been purchased.
Apple's privacy policy changes are included in iOS 13.4, but the option to share data will not roll out immediately for new Apple Card users and will appear later.
Apple today released macOS Catalina 10.15.4, the fourth update to the macOS Catalina operating system that was released in October. macOS Catalina 10.15.4 comes a couple of months after the release of macOS Catalina 10.15.3.
macOS Catalina 10.15.4 can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for free using the Update feature in the System Preferences app.
The macOS Catalina 10.15.4 update introduces Screen Time Communication Limits, a feature that was first brought to the iPhone in the iOS 13.3 update. Communication Limits allow parents to put limits on who children can contact through FaceTime, Phone, Messages, and iCloud Contacts.
There's a new Head Pointer Accessibility option that allows the mouse cursor to be controlled with head movements using the Mac's camera, plus real-time lyrics are included for Apple Music. Real-time lyrics allow lyrics for a song to scroll by in real-time to the music so you can follow along with what's being sung. Apple has also added iCloud Folder Sharing, which can be done from Finder.
Though not directly related to macOS Catalina 10.15.4, Apple is adding a new universal purchase option for macOS and iOS apps, which will allow Apple device users to purchase one app that works across multiple platforms. These features will be available following the release of macOS Catalina 10.15.4 and iOS 13.4. Release notes for the update are below:
macOS Catalina 10.15.4 introduces iCloud Drive folder sharing, Screen Time communications limits, Apple Music time-synced lyrics view, and more. The update also improves the stability, reliability, and security of your Mac.
Finder - iCloud Drive folder sharing from Finder - Controls to limit access only to people you explicitly invite or grant access to anyone with the folder link - Permissions to choose who can make changes and upload files and who can only view and download files
Screen Time - Communication limits for controlling who your children can communicate with and be contacted by throughout the day and during downtime - Playback control of music videos for your children
Music - Time-synced lyrics view for Apple Music, including the ability to jump to your favorite part of a song by clicking a line in lyrics view
Safari - Option to import Chrome passwords into your iCloud Keychain for easy AutoFill of your passwords in Safari and across all your devices - Controls for duplicating a tab and for closing all tabs to the right of the current tab - HDR playback support on compatible computers for Netflix content
App Store with Apple Arcade - Universal Purchase support enables the use of a singular purchase of a participating app across iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV - Recently played Arcade games appear in the Arcade tab so you can continue playing on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV
Pro Display XDR - Customized reference modes that you can tailor to specific workflow needs by selecting from several color gamut, white point, luminance, and transfer function options
Accessibility - Head pointer preference for moving a cursor on the screen based on the precise movements of your head
This update also includes bug fixes and other improvements. - High Dynamic Range output to HDR10-compatible third-party displays and TVs connected with DisplayPort or HDMI - OAuth authentication support with Outlook.com accounts for improved security - CalDav migration support when upgrading to iCloud reminders on a secondary device - Resolves an issue where text copied between apps may appear invisible when Dark Mode is active - Fixes an issue in Safari where a CAPTCHA tile may display incorrectly - Resolves an issue where Reminders may send notifications for completed reminders - Fixes an issue with screen brightness for the LG UltraFine 5K display after waking from sleep
macOS Catalina 10.15.4 could be one of the last updates to the macOS Catalina operating system as Apple shifts its focus to macOS 10.16, set to be released later this year.
Apple today released iOS and iPadOS 13.4, the latest major updates to the iOS 13 operating system that was released in September. iOS and iPadOS 13.4 come two months after the release of iOS and iPadOS 13.3.1 with Screen Time Communication Limits.
The iOS and iPadOS 13.4 updates are available on all eligible devices over-the-air in the Settings app. To access the updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple is also releasing iOS 12.4.6 for older iPhones, with the update adding security improvements.
iOS and iPadOS 13.4 are significant updates, bringing several important new features to the iPhone and the iPad. Most notably, the iPadOS 13.4 update introduces mouse and trackpad support for the iPad to allow for greater precision and improved navigation.
Mouse and trackpad support comes ahead of the May release of Apple's new Magic Keyboard, which is a keyboard for the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro that includes a trackpad. The update adds support for Magic Mouse, Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad, Magic Trackpad 2, and third-party USB and Bluetooth mouse options, plus it introduces multi-touch gestures when using the Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2.
There's a new toolbar available in the Mail app that's available when viewing an email, with the updated design featuring a more logical layout to address complaints about the Mail app in earlier versions of iOS 13.
The revamped design moves the reply icon away from the delete icon, making it harder to accidentally delete an email. It also adds Folder and Compose icons.
iCloud Folder Sharing, which is designed to let users share iCloud Drive folders with other people, is included in iOS 13.4. iCloud Folder Sharing was initially announced at WWDC as an iOS 13 feature last year, but it has taken Apple several months to implement it. The feature shows real-time updates so file changes will sync across the devices of all people with access to a specific folder.
Apple has added nine new Memoji and Animoji stickers in the update, with the new stickers featuring emoji-style poses like shocked face, face with hearts, eyes rolling, and more.
Apple has also made a subtle but notable change to the way the URL bar works in Safari. In iOS 13.4, you can tap into the URL bar right away even when a URL is highlighted, which is different behavior from iOS 13.3.1. In iOS 13.3.1, an extra tap outside of a URL was required to deselect it before it could be tapped to be edited.
New settings in the TV app allow users to control streaming and downloading over Wi-Fi and cellular, adding new data saving options for those who don't have unlimited streaming plans.
Hints of a new "CarKey" API were found in iOS 13.4, which would allow the iPhone to be used to lock, unlock, and start a car that has NFC capabilities. Sharing features will also be available for assigning keys to friends and family members through the Messages app.
CarKey functionality hasn't been announced by Apple as of yet, and it's not mentioned in the release notes for the update, but when launched, it will iPhone owners to use their devices in lieu of a car key. CarKey could be coming as an iOS 14 feature, and BMW could be one of the first partners.
Though not an iOS specific feature, Apple with iOS 13.4, macOS 10.15.4, tvOS 13.4, and Xcode 11.4 is allowing developers to create apps with universal purchase support, which means Apple device users will be able to purchase one app that works across multiple platforms.
iOS 13.4 includes third-party navigation app support for the CarPlay Dashboard along with support for in-call information. There are new keyboard shortcuts for the Photos app on the iPad and AR Quick Look supports audio playback for USDZ files.
Apple also added a new Shazam Shortcuts action, options for remapping hardware keys of a keyboard connected to the iPad, there's a new status indicator to display when a VPN has disconnected on iPhones with all-screen displays, and Apple has introduced a number of bug fixes.
A bug that could cause the camera viewfinder to appear as a black screen has been addressed, as has an issue that could cause Photos to appear to use too much storage. The update addresses a problem that could cause Mail message to appear out of order, fixes a Settings issue that resulted in cellular data incorrectly displaying as off, and fixes an issue that could cause CarPlay to lose connection in certain vehicles.
Apple's full release notes for the iOS 13.4 update are below:
iOS 13.4 introduces new Memoji stickers and iCloud Drive folder sharing from the Files app. This update also contains bug fixes and improvements.
Memoji - Nine new Memoji stickers, including Smiling Face with Hearts, Hands Pressed Together, and Party Face
Files - iCloud Drive folder sharing from the Files app - Controls to limit access only to people you explicitly invite or grant access to anyone with the folder link - Permissions to choose who can make changes and upload files and who can only view and download files
Mail - Always-visible controls to delete, move, reply to, or compose a message in conversation view - Responses to encrypted emails are automatically encrypted when you have configured S/MIME
App Store with Apple Arcade - Universal Purchase support enables the use of a singular purchase of a participating app across iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV - Recently played Arcade games appear in the Arcade tab so you can continue playing on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV - List view for See All Games
CarPlay - Third-party navigation app support for the CarPlay Dashboard - In-call information appears on the CarPlay Dashboard
Augmented Reality - AR Quick Look supports audio playback in USDZ files
Keyboard - Predictive typing support for Arabic
This update also includes bug fixes and other improvements. This update: - Adds status bar indicator to display when VPN has disconnected on iPhone models with all-screen displays - Fixes an issue in Camera where the viewfinder may appear as a black screen after launch - Addresses an issue where Photos may appear to use excess storage - Resolves an issue in Photos that may prevent sharing an image to Messages if iMessage is disabled - Fixes an issue in Mail where messages may appear out of order - Addresses an issue in Mail where the conversation list may display empty rows - Resolves an issue where Mail may crash when tapping the Share button in Quick Look - Fixes an issue in Settings where cellular data may incorrectly display as off - Addresses an issue in Safari where webpages may not be inverted when both Dark Mode and Smart Invert are active - Resolves an issue where text copied from web content may appear invisible when pasted when Dark Mode is active - Fixes an issue in Safari where a CAPTCHA tile may display incorrectly - Addresses an issue where Reminders may not issue new notifications for an overdue recurring reminder until it is marked as completed - Resolves an issue where Reminders may send notifications for completed reminders - Fixes an issue where iCloud Drive appears to be available in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote even when not signed in - Addresses an issue in Apple Music where music videos may not stream in high quality - Resolves an issue where CarPlay may lose its connection in certain vehicles - Fixes an issue in CarPlay where the view in Maps may move away briefly from the current area - Addresses an issue in the Home app where tapping an activity notification from a security camera may open a different recording - Resolves an issue where Shortcuts may not appear when tapping on the Share menu from a screenshot - Improves the Burmese keyboard so punctuation symbols are now accessible from numbers and symbols
Apple has also provided separate release notes for the iPadOS update, which are available below and cover all of the new mouse and trackpad features.
iPadOS 13.4 introduces support for mouse and trackpad with iPad for greater precision and navigating the system with Multi-Touch gestures, and adds iCloud Drive folder sharing from the Files app and new Memoji stickers. This update also contains bug fixes and improvements.
Mouse and Trackpad Support - All-new cursor design highlights app icons on the Home Screen and Dock and buttons and controls in apps - Magic Keyboard for iPad support on iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later) and iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation or later) - Magic Mouse, Magic Mouse 2, Magic Trackpad, Magic Trackpad 2, and third-party Bluetooth and USB mouse support - Multi-Touch gestures on Magic Keyboard for iPad and Magic Trackpad 2 enable you to scroll, swipe between app spaces, go Home, access App Switcher, zoom in or out, tap to click, secondary click (right-click), and swipe between pages - Multi-Touch gestures on Magic Mouse 2 enable you to scroll, secondary click (right-click), and swipe between pages
Files - iCloud Drive folder sharing from the Files app - Controls to limit access only to people you explicitly invite or grant access to anyone with the folder link - Permissions to choose who can make changes and upload files and who can only view and download files
Memoji - Nine new Memoji stickers, including Smiling Face with Hearts, Hands Pressed Together, and Party Face
Mail - Always-visible controls to delete, move, reply to, or compose a message in conversation view - Responses to encrypted emails are automatically encrypted when you have configured S/MIME
App Store with Apple Arcade - Universal Purchase support enables the use of a singular purchase of a participating app across iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV - Recently played Arcade games appear in the Arcade tab so you can continue playing on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV - List view for See All Games
Augmented Reality - AR Quick Look supports audio playback in USDZ files
Keyboard - Live Conversion for Zhuyin automatically transforms Zhuyin into the correct characters without pressing the space bar to convert text or select candidates - Live Conversion for Japanese automatically transforms Hiragana into the correct characters without pressing the space bar to convert text or select candidates - Predictive typing support for Arabic - Swiss German keyboard layout supported on iPad Pro 12.9-inch - On-screen keyboard layout for iPad Pro 12.9-inch now matches Smart Keyboard
This update also includes bug fixes and other improvements. This update: - Fixes an issue in Camera where the viewfinder may appear as a black screen after launch - Addresses an issue where Photos may appear to use excess storage - Resolves an issue in Photos that may prevent sharing an image to Messages if iMessage is disabled - Fixes an issue in Mail where messages may appear out of order - Addresses an issue in Mail where the conversation list may display empty rows - Resolves an issue where Mail may crash when tapping the Share button in Quick Look - Fixes an issue in Settings where cellular data may incorrectly display as off - Addresses an issue in Safari where webpages may not be inverted when both Dark Mode and Smart Invert are active - Resolves an issue where text copied from web content in a third-party app may appear invisible when pasted if Dark Mode is active - Fixes an issue in Safari where a CAPTCHA tile may display incorrectly - Addresses an issue where Reminders may not issue new notifications for an overdue recurring reminder until it is marked as completed - Resolves an issue where Reminders may send notifications for completed reminders - Fixes an issue where iCloud Drive appears to be available in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote even when not signed in - Addresses an issue in Apple Music where music videos may not stream in high quality - Addresses an issue in the Home app where tapping an activity notification from a security camera may open a different recording - Resolves an issue where Shortcuts may not appear when tapping on the Share menu from a screenshot - Improves the Burmese keyboard so punctuation symbols are now accessible from numbers and symbols
iOS 13.4 is likely to be one of the last major updates to the iOS 13 operating system as Apple begins to shift focus to iOS 14, which is expected to be previewed in June ahead of a fall release. There have already been quite a few iOS 14 leaks, which can be found in our iOS 14 roundup.
Apple today released watchOS 6.2, the sixth update to the watchOS 6 operating system that's designed to run on modern Apple Watch models. watchOS 6.2 comes a month after the release of watchOS 6.1.3, a minor update.
watchOS 6.2 can be downloaded for free through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it needs to be placed on a charger, and it needs to be in range of the iPhone.
The watchOS 6.2 update introduces Apple Watch App Store support for in-app purchases, which lets developers create and sell Apple Watch apps that offer in-app purchase options and subscriptions. watchOS 6.2 also brings ECG support and irregular heart rhythm notifications to Chile, New Zealand, and Turkey, plus it fixes an issue that could interrupt music playback when switching from WiFi to Bluetooth connectivity.
During the testing period, code in iOS 13.4, the companion update to watchOS 6.2, had signs of a feature called "CarKey" that will let the iPhone and Apple Watch be used in lieu of a car key to unlock NFC-cable vehicles. Based on the watchOS 6.2 release notes this feature is not included in the update, but it is at least in the works and perhaps coming soon.
Apple's full release notes for the watchOS 6.2 update are below:
watchOS 6.2 includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes: - Introduces in-app purchases for Apple Watch apps - Fixes an issue where music playback could pause when switching from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth connectivity - ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later now available in Chile, New Zealand, and Turkey - Irregular heart rhythm notifications now available in Chile, New Zealand, and Turkey Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas, for more information visit: https://www.apple.com/watchos/feature-availability/
watchOS 6.2 could be one of the last major updates to the watchOS 6 operating system as Apple begins to shift its focus to watchOS 7, which is in development ahead of a fall release. Apple is likely to preview watchOS 7 in June ahead of releasing it alongside new Apple Watch models later this year. Details on watchOS 7 can be found in our watchOS roundup.
Apple today released tvOS 13.4, the third major update to the tvOS operating system that runs on the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV models. tvOS 13.4 comes a couple of months after the release of tvOS 13.3.1.
tvOS 13.4, a free update, can be downloaded over the air through the Settings app on the Apple TV by going to System > Software Update. Apple TV owners who have automatic software updates turned on will be upgraded to tvOS 13.4 automatically.
tvOS updates are typically minor in scale, focusing on under-the-hood bug fixes and improvements rather than major outward-facing changes.
tvOS 13.4 introduces some small design changes to streamline the look of the TV app and it adds Family Sharing integration so users can access iTunes content purchased by family members without having to leave the app.
Apple has also released an Apple TV Software Update 7.5 for the third-generation Apple TV, which lets you control the Apple TV from Control Center on iOS and iPadOS devices.
Alongside iOS and iPadOS 13.4, Apple has released new 13.4 software for the HomePod, with minor under-the-hood changes and no notable new features.
According to Apple's release notes, HomePod Software Version 13.4 includes "general improvements for stability and quality" with no other details.
The new HomePod software will be installed automatically on the HomePod, but you can also manually update and check your software version by following the instructions in our HomePod software how to.
Apple's rumored augmented reality glasses are under development and could launch by 2022, according to industry sources cited by DigiTimes. The full report has yet to be released, but a paywalled preview reads as follows:
Apple AR glasses under development Taiwan-based optical component suppliers are engaged in the development of Apple's augmented reality smart glasses, which may be commercialized by 2022, according to industry sources.
This follows a report from The Information in November that claimed Apple is developing two head-worn products, including a combination AR/VR headset for release in 2022 and "full-fledged" AR glasses for release by 2023. Those plans were corroborated by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who said the headset could be released as early as 2021.
Google Glasses
The Information claimed that Apple's initial headset will resemble Facebook's Oculus Quest, but with a "sleeker design" that makes "heavy use of fabrics and lightweight materials to ensure the device is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time." The headset is expected to have a "high-resolution display" that will "allow users to read small type and see other people standing in front of and behind virtual objects."
The report claimed that Apple is planning to reach out to third-party developers as early as 2021 to encourage them to build apps for the hardware.
The headset would be followed up by Apple's rumored AR glasses that would be designed to "be worn all day." The Information previously reported that some prototypes "looked like high-priced sunglasses with thick frames that house the battery and chips," but the final design could change. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the glasses will be "lightweight."
Early reports had pegged a 2020 release for Apple's headset, but the company reportedly pushed back the project. Given the current pandemic, the timeframe may continue to shift, but Apple's interest in augmented reality hardware is clear.
Moreover, the LiDAR scanner is more about the future than today. The Verge's Dieter Bohn noted that the sensor "improves some current apps for free, but there aren't any third-party apps that take full advantage of it yet."
"As I used the iPad Pro this week, I kept coming back to that LIDAR sensor," said Bohn. "It's a powerful and interesting sensor and Apple's total control over software and hardware means that it 'just works' to improve existing apps. But as powerful as it is, I'm not super sure a lot of users will be able to take advantage of it — it's an extra thing they may not even use."
There are some benefits to the LiDAR scanner today. For example, all existing ARKit apps will now have instant AR placement, improved motion capture, and people occlusion, while the Measure app can more quickly calculate someone's height.
Apple has been heavily invested in augmented reality for years, and with rumors suggesting that the company is working on an augmented reality headset, the LiDAR scanner will likely have much more significance in the years to come.
As for the A12Z Bionic chip, Apple told WIRED's Lauren Goode that it has enhanced thermal architecture, meaning that it should heat up less when pushed to the limit. And while the A12Z does not move the needle with CPU performance, it does have an eight-core GPU — up from seven in the 2018 iPad Pro — for a modest boost in graphics performance.
The new Ultra Wide camera is mostly what you would expect based on the iPhone 11 Pro, enabling 0.5x zoom for those who take photos with an iPad.
Apple last week launched the new iPad Pro and MacBook Air, and shortly after Expercom provided the first discount on these devices. Today, Amazon has introduced the second set of markdowns on a few of these new 2020 Apple products.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
For the iPad Pro, you'll find prices starting at $749.99 for the 128GB Wi-Fi model of the 11-inch iPad Pro, while the same version of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is at $949.99, both representing $49 discounts. As of writing, the only 2020 MacBook Air on sale on Amazon is the 256GB model at $949.99, another $49 discount from Apple's price.
These products are available for pre-order on Amazon, and the company states that the iPad Pros will begin shipping tomorrow, March 25.
11-inch iPad Pro
128GB, Wi-Fi - $749.99, down from $799.00 ($49 off)
256GB, Wi-Fi - $849.99, down from $899.00 ($49 off)
12.9-inch iPad Pro
128GB, Wi-Fi - $949.99, down from $999.00 ($49 off)
You can find even more discounts on other MacBooks by visiting our Best Deals guide for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. In this guide we track the steepest discounts for the newest MacBook models every week, so be sure to bookmark it and check back often if you're shopping for a new Apple notebook.
YouTube will begin reducing the quality of its videos for users around the world starting today. With a growing percentage of people staying at home for the next few weeks and months, YouTube hopes this new streaming quality limit will keep the video sharing website running smoothly amid the increased traffic (via Bloomberg).
This change began in Europe last week, and will hit worldwide over the coming days. YouTube videos will default to standard definition, and if users want to watch in high definition, they will have to choose to do so from the settings menu on a video.
YouTube already limits the quality of video based on the strength of a user’s internet connection. YouTube doesn’t believe the world will run out of internet bandwidth any time soon, but is taking a preemptive measure given growing concerns at the government level.
“We continue to work closely with governments and network operators around the globe to do our part to minimize stress on the system during this unprecedented situation,” Google said in a statement.
Many streaming companies are taking similar precautions, with Netflix cutting streaming data bitrates last week, and Apple TV+ lowering streaming quality in Europe. Most of these changes began in Europe after the European Union asked these companies to temporarily reduce streaming quality to ease the strain on broadband networks, and now we're seeing similar policies spread to the United States and other countries.
Woot today kicked off a new Apple sale on refurbished iMacs, MacBooks, and iPads. These devices represent previous-generation computers and tablets, and sales start as low as $99.99 for the first-generation iPad mini.
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.
There's also the 16GB iPad mini 4 on sale for $179.99, and the 32GB iPad mini 4 for $209.99. At the time of writing, these are the only three remaining iPads on sale during Woot's Apple event, and each one has been certified under Woot's refurbishment program.
There are numerous MacBook Pro models on sale as well. You can save on everything from the 2011 13-inch MacBook Pro for $299.99, to the 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro for $779.99. Woot's MacBook Pro devices have been refurbished by Apple Certified Technicians.
Lastly, you can save on iMacs starting at $239.99 for the 2011 21.5-inch iMac. Woot also has a 2012 21.5-inch model on sale for $469.99, while the same size for a 2013 model is $499.99, and both computers have 8GB RAM and a 1TB hard drive.
Woot's sale will end tonight at 12 a.m. CT, so be sure to visit the retailer's website to browse the full Apple event soon. All Amazon Prime members are able to get free standard shipping on their Woot orders.
Apple last week introduced new iPad Pro models with an similar performing A12Z Bionic chip, an Ultra Wide camera for 0.5x zoom, and a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced augmented reality. The new iPad Pro models will begin arriving to customers and go on sale at select stores starting tomorrow, and ahead of time, the first unboxing videos have surfaced.
B&H Photo today has returned the 512GB 16-inch MacBook Pro to its lowest price of $2,099.00, down from $2,399.00. We've seen this price a few times this year, and it's the current best price you'll find for a new 16-inch MacBook Pro among the major Apple resellers online.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with B&H Photo. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Likewise, you can also save on the 1TB 16-inch MacBook Pro on B&H Photo, which is pricing this notebook at $2,499.00, down from $2,799.00. This discount has been pretty consistent throughout the beginning of the year, and both of these sales are solid $300 markdowns on Apple's newest MacBook Pro.
If you want a smaller 13-inch model, there are some sale options for those as well that we've rounded up below from B&H Photo.
We've begun tracking the best monthly deals on all new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air notebooks in our new "Best Deals" guide. Be sure to visit the guide and bookmark it if you're on the hunt for a new Apple notebook; we'll be updating it weekly as we discover new MacBook offers across the web.
Popular European banking app Revolut launched in the U.S. today. In partnership with NYC-based Metropolitan Commercial Bank, the virtual banking service offers a one-stop app where users can spend, send, receive, and control cash flow from their Revolut account.
Users sign up for an account and a debit card right from within the app, and can then access separate tabs that track accounts, spending, payments, and cards. Deposited funds are FDIC protected up to $250,000.
Users receive notifications every time a transaction is made on their card. It's also possible to freeze and unfreeze a card, set some limits and restrict some features, such as online payments or ATM withdrawals.
Other features include the ability to send and request money from friends through the app, convert foreign currency at a low exchange rate, hold foreign currencies in a Revolut account, and pay Revolut users in other countries in their local currency.
Users can withdraw money from their Revolut account via more than 55,000 ATMs in the Allpoint ATM network. However, there is a maximum withdrawal limit of $300 per month at a time without incurring a two percent fee, though users can withdraw more if they sign up for one of Revolut's premium subscriptions, which start at $9.99 per month.
In addition, Revolut offers users in the U.S. the ability to receive their salary two days in advance if they share their Revolut banking details with their employer.
In Europe, Revolut offers several other features for premium users, including the ability to buy cryptocurrency and purchase mobile phone insurance within the app. Those features aren't available at launch in the U.S., but Revolut is working to bring them over where possible.
The U.K. spending limit for contactless card payments is to increase from £30 to £45, meaning iPhone users will soon be able to pay for more expensive shopping bills using their smartphones in stores where limitless Apple Pay transactions aren't supported.
The increase in the upper limit on contactless payments is set to roll out nationally beginning from April 1, UK Finance today announced.
To put the change into context, many merchants set up their terminals to only accept contactless payments of up to £30, regardless of whether you’re swiping a bank card or using Apple Pay. While some banks don't set a limit on Apple Pay transactions, Apple notes that you might not be able to use Apple Pay for purchases over £30, depending on the retailer.
The decision to raise the standard debit card contactless limit to £45 is said to have been taken following consultation between the retail sector and the finance and payments industry, and follows similar increases in several other European countries over the past week.
The changes were reportedly already under consideration by the industry, but the process has been expedited as part of the industry’s response to the global viral pandemic to support consumers who choose to pay using contactless.
Stephen Jones, CEO of UK Finance, said:
"The payments industry has been working closely with retailers to be able to increase the contactless payment limit to help customers with their shopping at this critical time for the country.
“This will give more people the choice to opt for the speed and convenience of purchasing goods using their contactless card, helping to cut queues at the checkout."
UK Finance notes that the new limits could take some time to be introduced across all retailers, but eventually they'll offer people another way to pay shopping bills without handling money or touching payment terminals, which should help in the fight against the current viral outbreak.
Of course, in the meantime U.K. consumers spending more than £45 can still use Chip & Pin, cash, and biometric-authenticated mobile payment systems like Apple Pay, where accepted.
Disney+ today officially launched in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, and Austria.
The premium streaming service is accessible via web browser, on Amazon Fire devices, Roku streaming devices, Apple TV (4K or HD), iOS devices, Android, Google Chromecast, Xbox One, PS4, and smart TVs from LG, Sony, Samsung, and Vizio. You can download the iPhone and iPad apps here.
The subscription price in the U.K. and across Europe is £5.99/€6.99 per month, or £59.99/€69.99 for an annual subscription.
Over 500 feature films and over 7,500 shows are available on the service including new original content like the critically acclaimed "The Mandalorian" and "The World According To Jeff Goldblum," along with timeless classics like "Lady and the Tramp," "Star Wars," and the entire Pixar library.
Disney+ has been available in the U.S. for a while now, but subscribers should note that there will be some content differences in the European offering because of licensing issues.
Due to the anticipated high load on the continent's broadband infrastructure because of a surge in remote working, Disney+ is following other digital video services by streaming at an intentionally lowered bitrate, so picture quality won't be as good as some viewers will be expecting.
It's unclear how long Disney intends to limit video quality, but Netflix said last Thursday that it plans to implement similar measures for 30 days, following a request from the European Union.
The launch of Disney+ has been delayed in France by two weeks on request of the French government – Disney+ will now launch in the country the week of April 7.
Disney says the service will launch later this summer in additional Western Europe markets, including Belgium, the Nordics, and Portugal. Disney+ has been available in the Netherlands since September, when it launched there as a pilot trial.
In a Geekbench 5 test, the 11-inch 2020 iPad Pro earned a single-core score of 1114 and a multi-core score of 4654, which is close to the Geekbench scores of the 11-inch iPad Pro from 2018.
The 11-inch iPad Pro has an aggregate single-core Geekbench 5 score of 1113 and a multi-core score of 4608. Like the A12X, the A12Z is an 8-core chip running at 2.48GHz.
The new 2020 iPad Pro pulled ahead a little in Metal scores, earning a 9894 Metal score, up from the 9020 score in the 11-inch iPad Pro from 2018. That's no surprise, though, because the A12Z features an 8-core GPU instead of the 7-core GPU that was in the A12X.
Antutu tests were also conducted, showing lower scores than prior models in the memory category, though the test may not be optimized for the new models and the iOS 13.4 update. CPU was 187648, GPU was 348519, and Memory was 71476 vs. CPU 184553, GPU 357335, and Memory 90598 for the 11-inch 2018 model.
More testing will need to be done to confirm whether there are notable differences in CPU speed between the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models, but for now, it looks like any gains are modest.
The new iPad Pro models ship with iOS 13.4, which is set to be released by Apple tomorrow, so new iPad Pro owners will not need to upgrade. Most people who ordered a new iPad Pro on the day they were introduced will receive their shipments on Wednesday, March 25.
An original Apple Computer Inc. sign created around 1978 with Apple's well-known rainbow logo is set to be auctioned off later this week.
Measuring in at four feet by five feet, the sign is said to be one of the earliest Apple retail signs and was displayed by an Apple authorized reseller who first learned about Apple after attending a 1976 computer conference.
The sign is yellowed and the description says there are "a few surface marks," but overall, the rainbow colors are said to be bright and in good condition. The sign will be auctioned by Nate D. Sanders Auctions on March 26, and the starting price is $20,000.
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