Apple today announced a few new features coming to AirPods Pro later this year, centering on a new ability to use head gestures in order to control the AirPods Pro. With this feature, you can nod your head up and down, or shake it left to right, in order to answer or decline a call.
In addition to interacting with a phone call, users will be able to use Siri Interactions to respond to messages, manage notifications, and more.
There's also a new Voice Isolation feature coming to AirPods Pro that removes loud background noise around you, so that the person on the other end of a call can hear you clearly. Apple also said personalized spatial audio is expanding to gaming on tvOS this year.
Finally, AirPods users will gain access to a Personalized Spatial Audio feature with dynamic head tracking that boosts gaming experiences on connected Apple devices. This will be available on AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
Apple said that all of these features will arrive this fall.
Apple today previewed new features coming to the Messages app with iOS 18, and this finally includes bold, italics, underline, and strikeout formatting options.
iMessage has also gained all-new text effects that can be applied to individual words in a message to give them a "dynamic, animated" appearance. These effects include Big, Small, Shake, Nod, Explode, Ripple, Bloom, and Jitter.
Other new Messages app features on iOS 18 include upcoming RCS support for improved texting with Android users, an option to schedule messages to be sent later, the ability to use any emoji as a Tapback, the ability to send messages via satellite connection when Wi-Fi and cellular networks are unavailable, and more.
The first developer beta of iOS 18 is available now, and a public beta will follow in July. The update should be widely released in September.
Apple announced iOS 18 today with two notable changes for the Home Screen: the ability to place app icons anywhere, and a dark tint option for app icons.
iPhone users can now place app icons anywhere on the Home Screen, although they still must conform to an invisible grid. In other words, Apple now allows blank spaces, rows, and columns between app icons, which can reveal more of the wallpaper.
App icons can now have a dark or tinted appearance, with many color options available. Icons can be manually set to appear in dark or light mode, or they can automatically switch based on whether Dark Mode is turned on or off on the iPhone.
Apple today previewed iOS 18, the next major update to the operating system for the iPhone, with new customization features, a redesigned Photos app, and more.
iOS 18 features new customization tools for the Home Screen. App icons now feature Dark Mode and users can tint them with a color to create a unique look. Apps can also now be placed anywhere on the Home Screen freely.
The Control Center is redesigned and highly customizable with a new gallery. Developers can provide tools for their apps in the Control Center. Users can continuously swipe to access other Control Center screens. Lock Screen controls are also customizable.
In Messages, tapbacks have been redesigned and users can now react with any emoji. Users can also schedule messages to send later, as well as format text with bold, italicization, underlining, and strikethrough. New text effects provide ways to emphasize words and phrases with automatic suggestions. Users can also now send and receive messages with satellite connectivity.
In Mail, emails are automatically sorted into categories to help prioritize messages. There are also new topographical maps with trail networks and hiking routes in the Maps app. In Wallet, a new Tap to Cash feature sends cash by holding iPhones together.
The Photos app is completely redesigned in iOS 18. The app has been unified into a single view, with a photo grid at the top that views the entire library and collections organized by theme below. Users can use Months and Years views at the bottom, and there's a filter button that allows you to hide screenshots and sort in other ways.
The space below the grid includes Collections with the ability to browse by topics like Time, People, Memories, Trips, and more. Recent Days shows photos from the past few days, with things like photos of receipts filtered out automatically. People and Pets now gathers photos of groups of people and collections can be reordered or pinned. Swipe right from the grid and you'll see a new carousel with Featured Photos and other favorite collections. It automatically refreshes to surface new images.
Users can now Lock apps with authentication, simultaneously hiding information from Search and Siri. iOS 18 also includes a new way to connect accessories more seamlessly.
iOS 18 brings RCS messaging support to the iPhone, larger Home Screen icons, and Reminders integration in calendar.
Game Mode also comes to the iPhone for the first time, minimizing background activity to keep frame rates high, plus more responsive connections to AirPods and wireless game controllers.
The first developer beta of iOS 18 is available starting today, with a public beta following in July, and official release to the public in the fall.
Apple today announced that the Vision Pro headset will be available in eight additional countries over the coming weeks.
The headset is launching in China, Japan, and Singapore on June 28, followed by Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the UK on July 12.
Pre-orders start June 13 in the first wave of countries, and on June 28 in the second:
Apple today announced Apple Vision Pro will expand to new countries and regions, with pre-orders for China mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore beginning this Thursday, June 13, at 6 p.m. PT and availability beginning Friday, June 28. Customers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom can pre-order Vision Pro beginning Friday, June 28, at 5 a.m. PT, with availability beginning Friday, July 12.
visionOS 1.2 adds support for languages in these countries and regions.
Apple first launched the Vision Pro in the U.S. in early February, with the spatial computing headset starting at a costly $3,499 there.
visionOS 2 includes a range of new features and changes, such as a redesigned Photos app with SharePlay support, the ability to turn existing 2D photos into spatial photos with machine learning, new hand gestures for frequently used features like Home View and Control Center, a larger ultra-wide version of Mac Virtual Display that is equivalent to two 4K monitors side by side, support for a physical mouse, and more.
Apple today announced visionOS 2, the first major update to the Vision Pro's operating system. The first visionOS 2 beta is now available for Apple Developer Program members, and the update will be released to the public later this year.
visionOS 2 includes a range of new features and changes, such as a redesigned Photos app with SharePlay support, the ability to turn existing 2D photos into spatial photos with machine learning, new hand gestures for frequently used features like Home View and Control Center, a larger ultra-wide version of Mac Virtual Display that is equivalent to two 4K monitors side by side, and support for a physical mouse.
visionOS 2 also adds a basic feature that was missing on the Vision Pro at launch: the ability to rearrange apps and place them wherever you want.
Travel Mode gains support for trains on visionOS 2, while the Guest User option can now save a guest's eye and hand data for 30 days.
visionOS 2 includes new APIs and frameworks for developers of Vision Pro apps, such as HealthKit for health data and TabletopKit for tabletop games.
Apple's press release outlined some additional visionOS 2 features, such as AirPlay receiving mode and systemwide Live Captions:
- While in Safari, users can watch videos in an Environment, including on popular sites such as YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon. While scrolling through webpages, users can tap on panoramic photos and immerse themselves as the image wraps around them. Siri can also read and speak the content of a webpage while users multitask. - The Apple TV app brings support for multiview to Apple Vision Pro for the ultimate sports-viewing experience. Later this year, fans will be able to watch up to five simultaneous streams so they can keep track of all their favorite sports and teams. - To help users achieve calm and focus, the Mindfulness app includes a new capability called Follow Your Breathing that presents dynamic visual animations and sounds that respond to the user’s breathing patterns. - Systemwide Live Captions help everyone — including users who are deaf or hard of hearing — follow along with spoken dialogue in live conversations and in audio from apps. - Users can view content on their Vision Pro with AirPlay from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Apple also announced that the Vision Pro will be launching in eight additional countries by mid-July, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, China, Japan, and Singapore. The headset first launched in the U.S. in February.
Apple has taken down its online store ahead of its WWDC 2024 keynote at 10 a.m. Pacific Time today. This is a common marketing tactic for the company.
During the keynote, Apple is expected to unveil major software updates across its platforms, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, tvOS 18, visionOS 2, and more. Apple's online store going down ahead of events often means new hardware will be announced too, but we will simply have to wait and see if that is the case.
Three possibilities for the store being down could include a minor product release like AirPods Max with a USB-C port, international availability of the Apple Vision Pro headset, or preparations for Apple's annual "Back to School" promotion for students. Alternatively, maybe Apple just took down the store to create additional hype.
In any case, we'll find out in a matter of minutes!
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) starts today with the traditional keynote kicking things off at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. MacRumors is on hand for the event and we'll be sharing details and our thoughts throughout the day.
We're expecting to see a number of software-related announcements with a focus on Apple's efforts to infuse AI throughout its operating systems and apps. We'll be seeing Apple take the wraps off iOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, visionOS 2, and more, although we're not expecting to see any hardware introduced today.
Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company's TV and Developer apps across its platforms. We will also be updating this article with live blog coverage and issuing Twitter updates through our @MacRumorsLive account as the keynote unfolds. Highlights from the event and separate news stories regarding today's announcements will go out through our @MacRumors account.
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While rumors suggest that iOS 18, macOS 15, and tvOS 18 will largely be compatible with the same iPhone, Mac, and Apple TV models as the current versions of each platform are, it could be a much different story for watchOS 11.
In a post on social media platform X today, a proven leaker claimed that watchOS 11 will drop support for the Apple Watch Series 4 from 2018, Apple Watch Series 5 from 2019, and first-generation Apple Watch SE from 2020. The update would be compatible with all other models, including the Apple Watch Series 6 and beyond.
Even though the Series 5 has an S5 chip, it has the same processor as the S4 chip in the Series 4, so it would not be too surprising if Apple dropped support for these models simultaneously. Key changes with the Series 5 compared to the Series 4 included an always-on display option, increased storage, and a compass.
The leaker who revealed this information has a private account on X, so we have elected not to share its name or link to it, but they have shared accurate compatibility information and build numbers for Apple's software updates in the past.
We'll find out official watchOS compatibility details during the WWDC keynote in just a few hours.
Just ahead of WWDC, we have another last-minute compatibility rumor to share from a proven leaker, with this one relating to the Apple TV.
In a post on social media platform X today, the leaker claimed that tvOS 18 will remain compatible with the Apple TV HD, released in 2015.
If so, tvOS 18 would be compatible with all Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models, meaning there would be no change compared to tvOS 17:
Apple TV HD (2015)
Apple TV 4K (2017)
Apple TV 4K (2nd Generation) (2021)
Apple TV 4K (3rd Generation) (2022)
Given that HomePods run a variant of tvOS, the leaker thinks the next HomePod software update is likely to support all HomePods, including the original 2018 model.
The leaker who revealed this information has a private account on X, so we have elected not to share its name or link to it, but they have shared accurate compatibility information and build numbers for Apple's software updates in the past.
Apple will unveil tvOS 18 and other major software updates during the WWDC keynote, which begins at 10 a.m. Pacific Time today.
Just hours before Apple announces macOS 15 during its WWDC keynote today, a proven leaker has revealed alleged compatibility details for the software update.
In a post on X, the leaker said macOS 15 will be compatible with all Apple silicon Macs with the M1 chip and newer, and all Intel-based Macs equipped with Apple's T2 security chip. If this information is accurate, macOS 15 would be compatible with all Macs that support macOS Sonoma, with one possible exception: the 2019 iMac.
macOS Sonoma is compatible with the 2019 iMac, which does not have a T2 chip, so it is unclear if that model will support macOS 15 or be dropped.
Here is the rumored compatibility list for macOS 15:
MacBook Pro: 2018 and later
MacBook Air: 2018 and later
Mac mini: 2018 and later
iMac: 2019 and later*
iMac Pro: 2017
Mac Studio: 2022 and later
Mac Pro: 2019 and later
* iMac would be 2020 and later if a T2 chip is required.
Even if macOS 15 supports many Intel-based Macs, new on-device AI capabilities will likely be limited to Apple silicon Macs, which have a Neural Engine.
The leaker who revealed this information has a private account on X, so we have elected not to share its name or link to it, but they have shared accurate compatibility information and build numbers for Apple's software updates in the past.
What name will Apple use for macOS 15? That remains a mystery.
Apple's WWDC 2024 begins today, with the event kicking off at 10:00 am Pacific Time via the traditional opening keynote. We know that some MacRumors readers who can't follow the event as it's being broadcast are interested in avoiding all of the announcements and waiting until the event video is available for on-demand viewing so as to experience it without already knowing the outcome.
For those individuals, we've posted this news story, which will be updated with a direct link to the presentation once it becomes available from Apple. No other news stories or announcements will be displayed alongside this story.
Replays of Apple's recent events have been made available to view almost immediately following the conclusion of the broadcasts, and we expect similar timing for today's event.
Users waiting for the video to be posted are welcome to gather in the thread associated with this news story, and we ask that those who follow the events as they occur refrain from making any posts about Apple's announcements in this thread.
iPadOS 18 will drop support for iPad models equipped with the A10X Fusion chip, according to a post on X today from a private account with a proven track record of sharing build numbers for upcoming iOS and iPadOS updates.
In other words, iPadOS 18 will drop support for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Support for the sixth-generation iPad, which uses the regular A10 Fusion chip, is also being dropped. However, iPadOS 18 will continue to work on the seventh-generation iPad, according to the source.
iPadOS 18 will therefore be compatible with the following iPad models:
iPad Pro: 2018 and later
iPad Air: 2019 and later
iPad mini: 2019 and later
iPad: 2019 and later
Apple is expected to announce iPadOS 18 alongside iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference, which begins June 10, and the update should be released to all users with a compatible iPad in September.
Apple is expected to introduce a slew of AI-related features, collectively dubbed "Apple Intelligence," but only iPads powered by an M1 chip or later will support on-device AI capabilities.
Apple also plans to introduce a built-in Calculator app for the iPad with iPadOS 18. The app will be a "universal" app able to run on the iPhone, iPad, and macOS, allowing for a similar look and function across all three devices.
To kick off WWDC 2024, Apple will hold a keynote event on Monday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time to announce the new software. For those unable to watch the live stream, or who prefer to read a text version of the announcements, we'll have live coverage both here on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive X (Twitter) account, so make sure to follow.
iOS 18 will be compatible with the same iPhone models as iOS 17, according to a post on X today from a private account with a proven track record of sharing build numbers for upcoming iOS updates.
iOS 18 will be compatible with the iPhone XR, and hence also the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max models with the same A12 Bionic chip, but older iPhone models will miss out. Here is the full compatibility list for iOS 18:
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Apple is expected to announce iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference, which begins June 10, and the update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in September.
The same source says iPadOS 18 will drop support for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which use the A10X Fusion chip. The sixth-generation iPad is also being dropped from the compatibility list, but the seventh-generation iPad will still be supported.
To kick off WWDC 2024, Apple will hold a keynote event on the Monday at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time to announce the new software. For those unable to watch the live stream, or who prefer to read a text version of the announcements, we'll have live coverage both here on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive X (Twitter) account, so make sure to follow.
On Friday we tracked new all-time low prices on the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air, and today Amazon has expanded this sale with record low prices on the 15-inch models as well. Thanks to these additional deals, every single model of the M3 MacBook Air is now available at an all-time low price.
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.
Starting with the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air, you can get the 256GB model for $1,129.00, down from $1,299.00. Both 512GB models are available on sale as well, and most have delivery dates for as soon as June 11 for United States residences.
Secondly, Amazon still has $200 off the 256GB 13-inch M3 MacBook Air, now available for $899.00 in every color, down from $1,099.00. Just like the 15-inch models, you can also find both 512GB 13-inch M3 MacBook Air on sale at best-ever prices.
The 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference will take place the week of June 10 to June 14, and like the last four years, it will be an online event, although select developers and students will be invited to Apple Park. To kick things off, Apple holds a keynote event on the Monday to announce new software, which is what makes it of interest to the general public.
You can watch the WWDC 2024 keynote event using one of the methods outlined below. The live stream is set to start at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time from Apple Park in Cupertino, California. We have a full list of when the event will begin in other time zones in the United States and around the world.
Honolulu, Hawaii -- 7:00 a.m. HAST
Anchorage, Alaska -- 9:00 a.m. AKDT
Cupertino, California -- 10:00 a.m. PDT
Phoenix, Arizona -- 10:00 a.m. MST
Vancouver, Canada -- 10:00 a.m. PDT
Denver, Colorado -- 11:00 a.m. MDT
Dallas, Texas -- 12:00 noon CDT
New York, New York -- 1:00 p.m. EDT
Toronto, Canada -- 1:00 p.m. EDT
Halifax, Canada -- 2:00 p.m. ADT
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -- 2:00 p.m. BRT
London, United Kingdom -- 6:00 p.m. BST
Berlin, Germany -- 7:00 p.m. CEST
Paris, France -- 7:00 p.m. CEST
Cape Town, South Africa -- 7:00 p.m. SAST
Helsinki, Finland -- 8:00 p.m. EEST
Istanbul, Turkey -- 8:00 p.m. TRT
Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- 9:00 p.m. GST
Delhi, India -- 10:30 p.m. IST
Jakarta, Indonesia -- 12:00 a.m. WIB next day
Shanghai, China -- 1:00 a.m. CST next day
Singapore -- 1:00 a.m. SGT next day
Perth, Australia -- 1:00 a.m. AWST next day
Hong Kong -- 1:00 a.m. HKT next day
Seoul, South Korea -- 2:00 a.m. KST next day
Tokyo, Japan -- 2:00 a.m. JST next day
Adelaide, Australia -- 2:30 a.m. ACST next day
Sydney, Australia -- 3:00 a.m. AEST next day
Auckland, New Zealand -- 5:00 a.m. NZST next day
Watch the Keynote on YouTube
Watching the WWDC keynote on YouTube may be one of the quickest and easiest ways to catch the event because YouTube is generally available on most devices, including TV sets and consoles.
The YouTube live stream above will be accessible on June 10 when the event kicks off.
Watch the Keynote on Mac, iPhone or iPad
You can watch the WWDC keynote on any Mac, iPhone, or iPad using Apple's native Safari browser or another browser like Chrome. iOS devices must be running iOS 10 or later, and Macs need to be running macOS Sierra 10.12 or later to access the stream.
You can watch the WWDC keynote via Apple's TV app on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, with the link in the TV app becoming available on the day of the event or just before.
Open the TV app on your chosen device.
Scroll down the Watch Now category and select WWDC 2024. Alternatively, type "WWDC" into the Search field and select WWDC 2024 from the results.
Click Play.
The app may tell you to tune in at your local time to watch the event live prior to when the WWDC keynote begins.
Watch the Keynote on a Windows PC
If you don't have an Apple device handy, you can still watch the WWDC 2024 keynote on a PC running Windows 10 or later. Open Microsoft Edge browser and follow this link to the WWDC 2024 Livestream.
While Apple offers no guarantees, other platforms may also be able to access the WWDC 2024 keynote using recent versions of Chrome or Firefox (MSE, H.264, and AAC codecs/extensions must be installed).
Watch in the Apple Developer App or Developer Website
For those unable to watch the live stream, or who prefer to read a text version of the announcements, we'll have live coverage both here on MacRumors.com and through our MacRumorsLive X (Twitter) account, so make sure to follow.
iOS 18 will extend Dark Mode to the iPhone's Home Screen app icons, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
Introduced with iOS 13, Dark Mode already darkens some Home Screen elements, such as the dock and folders. iOS 18 will go further by automatically giving app icons a dark/black tint when Dark Mode when is turned on. The feature will initially be limited to built-in Apple apps, but perhaps there will be an API that allows third-party apps to support it.
We believe that the dark app icons paired with a dark wallpaper will give the Home Screen a full-blown Dark Mode appearance for the first time.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported that iOS 18 will let users change the colors of app icons, and this dark tint is related to that feature.
Apple will unveil iOS 18 during its WWDC keynote on Monday. The first iOS 18 beta will likely be made available to Apple Developer Program members immediately after the keynote, and the update should be widely released in September.
iOS 18 will offer a new security feature that allows users to lock individual apps, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
This feature will give users the option to lock built-in iPhone apps like Mail, Messages, Notes, Phone, Photos, Safari, Settings, and more, providing an extra layer of privacy and security. Unlocking an app would require Face ID authentication, and it is likely that the feature will also work with Touch ID or an iPhone's passcode.
We have not confirmed if the feature will work with third-party apps from the App Store.
Apple already allows certain content to be locked behind Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, such as notes in the Notes app and photos in the "Recently Deleted" and "Hidden" albums in the Photos app. This new iOS 18 feature will take things further by allowing for apps to be locked entirely, even if the iPhone is unlocked overall.
iPhone users have already found ways to lock apps with Screen Time or Shortcuts, but these methods will no longer be necessary on iOS 18.
Apple will unveil iOS 18 during its WWDC keynote on Monday. The first iOS 18 beta will likely be made available to Apple Developer Program members immediately after the keynote, and the update should be widely released in September.
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