MacRumors

Alongside the release of iOS 12, watchOS 5, and tvOS 12, Apple today officially launched the Shortcuts app for iOS devices.

On iPhones and iPads running iOS 12, the Shortcuts app can be used to create multi-step shortcuts using first and third-party apps that can be activated by Siri voice command.

So, for example, you can create a shortcut to do something like turn on the thermostat at home using the Nest app, text your roommate that you're on the way with Messages, and open up the Maps app with directions home all with a single "I'm going home" Siri command.

Siri Shortcuts deliver a quick way to get things done with your apps with just a tap or by asking Siri. The Shortcuts app enables you to create personal shortcuts with multiple steps from your favorite apps. Start from hundreds of examples in the Gallery or drag and drop to create your own.

Shortcuts includes over 300 built-in actions and works with many of your favorite apps including Contacts, Calendar, Maps, Music, Photos, Camera, Reminders, Safari, Health as well as any app that supports Siri Shortcuts.

Use the Shortcuts app to:
- Get directions home, send your ETA and start listening to the news, just by asking Siri
- Add a home screen icon that calls a loved one
- Make animated GIFs
- Make PDFs from Safari or any app with a share sheet
- Get directions to the nearest coffee shop in one tap
- Tweet the song you're listening to
- Get all of the images on a web page
- Send a message including the last screenshot you took
- And so much more...

Shortcuts can be launched from the Today widget, from Search or by asking Siri. You can even add an app icon to your home screen for your favorite Shortcuts.

Shortcuts opens up incredible possibilities to automate things you do regularly on your iPhone and iPad.

The new Shortcuts app was based on the Workflow app that Apple acquired last year, and the Workflow app been replaced with Shortcuts. Shortcuts can be downloaded from the App Store for free starting now. [Direct Link]

Alongside the release of iOS 12, the newest update to the iOS operating system, Apple has also released new version 12 software that's designed for the HomePod.

The new HomePod software will be installed automatically on the HomePod after you update to iOS 11.4, but you can also manually update and check your software version by following the instructions in our HomePod software how to.

As Apple CEO Tim Cook said during the company's "Gather Round" event last Wednesday, the software update introduces several new features that HomePod users have been hoping for since the speaker was first released back in February.

The update lets you use Siri to search for your favorite songs using song lyrics, and it lets you create multiple timers. It also allows you to make and receive phone calls right from the HomePod.

The HomePod could previously be used as a speakerphone, but after the update, it will be able to be used to place and answer phone calls without the need to transfer a call from the iPhone.

HomePod will be able to ping your iPhone or any of your other Apple devices so you can find them in your Home, and it works with Siri Shortcuts, a new feature introduced in iOS 12. Apple's full release notes for the HomePod software update are below:

iOS 12 includes support for multiple timers, music search by lyrics, telephony and Find My iPhone.
- Conveniently search for a song using the lyrics if you can’t remember the title (English only)
- Create multiple named timers
- Make and receive phone calls directly on HomePod, or simply ask Siri who is calling
- Similar to Apple Watch, Find My iPhone on HomePod allows you to quickly locate any of your iOS or macOS devices with an audible ping
- Calendar support to include all languages
- View the network name in Settings

For more on the HomePod, make sure to check out our HomePod roundup.

Apple today released tvOS 12, the latest operating system designed for the fourth and fifth-generation Apple TV models. tvOS 12 comes after a months-long beta testing period that saw Apple release a total of 10 tvOS 12 betas ahead of the golden master version of the software.

Like all tvOS updates, tvOS 12 is minor in scale, but it does bring some new feature improvements to the tvOS operating system.

tvOS 12 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 12 automatically.

tvOS 12 introduces long-awaited support for higher-quality Dolby Atmos sound, and Apple has been adding Dolby Atmos support to some of its iTunes content. With the launch of tvOS 12, iTunes is home to the largest collection of movies that offer Dolby Atmos support.

iTunes customers who have previously purchased movies that gain Dolby Atmos support will see free upgrades to their titles to add the new feature, much like Apple upgraded HD movies with the rollout of support for 4K content.

Building on single sign-on, a new zero sign-on feature further simplifies the cable authentication process. With zero sign-on, the Apple TV can detect a user's broadband network and automatically sign them into supported apps they receive through an accompanying cable subscription.

Zero sign-on will be available for Charter Communications customers this fall and will expand to additional cable providers in the future.

In tvOS 12, Aerial screensavers include location information for the first time, and there are new screensavers captured in collaboration with the International Space Station.

Other tvOS-related improvements include AutoFill passwords from iPhone, an Apple TV Remote automatically added to Control Center on the iPhone or iPad, and Apple TV support on Home control systems like Control4, Crestron, and Savant.

For more information on everything that's new in tvOS 12, make sure to check out our tvOS 12 roundup.

We've got an exclusive new deal to share with our readers today, this one coming from a partnership with accessory company ElevationLab. Those interested can save on ElevationLab's ElevationDock 4, priced at $35.97 with code MRDOCK40, down from $59.95.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

ElevationDock 4 is an iPhone dock that charges and cradles compatible iPhones, using micro air suction to keep itself stable on your desk. The dock is compatible with all of Apple's own cases and any case 3mm thin, but is not compatible with thicker wallet-style cases or protective cases, like OtterBox. Both the Matte Black and Matte White colors are up for the exclusive 40 percent discount, so head to Amazon and place your order before September 21, when the code expires.

Our next exclusive sale is another partnership with Magix, offering our readers an exclusive discount on the multimedia software maker's Sound Forge Pro Mac 3 bundle. The offer includes savings of up to 60 percent off, with Sound Forge Pro Mac 3 priced at $229.00, down from $557.00.

For those interested, Sound Forge Pro Mac 3 is an advanced audio editing suite with multi-channel recording and editing, mastering for music and dialogue clips, and support for high-resolution audio recording at 24 bits with sampling rates as high as 192kHz. The sale will run through October 31, 2018, so be sure to visit Magix's website if you're interested and place your order before it ends.

On Amazon, Anker has a new collection of discount codes this week, all focused on savings for its line of wireless charging accessories:

• PowerPort Wireless 5 Pad - $14.39 with code 10WIRELESS, down from $15.99 (exp. 9/22)

• PowerPort Wireless 5 Stand - $15.74 with code 10WIRELESS, down from $17.49 (exp. 9/22)

• PowerPort Wireless 10 - $19.79 with code 10WIRELESS, down from $21.99 (exp. 9/22)

• 7.5W Fast Wireless Charger with QC Adapter - $41.39 with code 10WIRELESS, down from $45.99 (exp. 9/22)

• 7.5W Fast Wireless Charging Stand with QC Adapter - $44.99 with code 10WIRELESS, down from $49.99 (exp. 9/22)

• PowerPort Wireless 5 Pad and Stand - $35.99 with code 10WIRELESS, down from $39.99 (exp. 9/22)

• 5W Wireless Charger Charging Pad - $8.99 with code 10WIRELESS, down from $9.99 (exp. 9/22)

• 7.5W Fast Wireless Charging Stand - $26.99 with code 10WIRELESS, down from $29.99 (exp. 9/22)

There are a few sales on headphones, earphones, and Bluetooth speakers as well:

• Zolo Liberty Total-Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds - $79.99 with code ZOLOPRO7, down from $98.95 (exp. 9/22)

• Soundcore Arc Wireless Sport Earphones - $29.99 with code ANKER361, down from $39.98 (exp. 9/29)

• SoundCore Bluetooth Speaker (Blue, Red) - $25.99, down from $32.99 (exp. 9/23)

• Soundcore Spirit Pro Bluetooth Headphones - $39.98, down from $49.99 (exp. 9/23)

In a new back-to-school sale, Bluetooth tracker company Tile is offering customers the chance to save on a variety of its products. These include up to 55 percent off Tile combo packs and up to 45 percent off Tile Sport. Check out all of the savings below:

• Up to 45 percent off Tile Sport - get a 2-pack for $45, down from $70

• Up to 53 percent off Tile Mate - get a 4-pack for $40, down from $80

• Up to 45 percent off Tile Pro Combo Packs - get 1 "Style" and 1 "Sport" for $45, down from $70

• Up to 55 percent off Tile Combo Packs - get 2 "Mates" and 2 "Slims" for $50, down from $100

Be sure to head to our full Deals Roundup for more information on this week's latest sales and bargains.

A new iOS vulnerability was discovered by a security researcher over the weekend, causing affected iPhones and iPads to crash and restart when following a link to an HTML page hosting specially crafted CSS code.

The vulnerability hits the WebKit rendering engine used in Safari by applying a CSS effect -- "backdrop-filter" -- that requires enough heavy graphics processing to cause iOS to crash completely.

Software engineer and security researcher Sabri Haddouche, who works for encrypted messaging app Wire, discovered the vulnerability and shared videos of its effects on Twitter. Haddouche also discussed his findings with ZDNet:

"The attack uses a weakness in the -webkit-backdrop-filter CSS property, which uses 3D acceleration to process elements behind them," Haddouche told ZDNet in an interview.

"By using nested divs with that property, we can quickly consume all graphic resources and freeze or kernel panic the OS."

Apple has been notified of the vulnerability, and Haddouche confirmed that the company is actively investigating the issue. The researcher also notes that the CSS code in its current form will freeze Safari on macOS "for a minute," and then slow it down, but the Mac won't crash. However, a modified version with Javascript could end with the same outcome as the iOS version, crashing the Mac computer that it's on.

Haddouche didn't publish the modified macOS vulnerability because once the computer reboots, Safari persists and the browser is automatically launched again with the same result, resulting in a cycle of reboots. The researcher says that he discovered the vulnerabilities during research for denial of service bugs on different web browsers.

Ahead of next week's launch of iOS 12, watchOS 5, and tvOS 12, Apple has released an updated version of the Shortcuts app that will be available once iOS 12 is released.

The new Shortcuts beta is the golden master (GM) version of the app, which represents the final version of the app that will be provided to consumers.

According to Apple's release notes, the new Shortcuts update introduces new actions that were not available during the beta testing period, with "Limited actions available in beta" listed as a resolved issue.

Over the course of the iOS 12 beta testing period, access to the Shortcuts iOS app via Testflight has been limited to developers. Public beta testers and general consumers will be able to experience the Shortcuts app for the first time next week.

For those unfamiliar with Shortcuts, it's an iOS 12 Siri feature designed to let you create multi-step shortcuts using first and third-party apps that can be activated by Siri voice command.

So, for example, you can create a shortcut to do something like turn on the thermostat at home using the Nest app, text your roommate that you're on the way with Messages, and open up the Maps app with directions home all with a single "I'm going home" Siri command.

Apple will release iOS 12, watchOS 5, and tvOS 12 to the public on Monday, September 17. The software updates will likely be released at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

To celebrate the launch of Apple's new 2018 iPhones, we're hosting a few special giveaways this week, and we've saved the best for last.

We've teamed up with Casetify to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a brand new 64GB Space Gray iPhone XS Max along with a Casetify Impact iPhone case bundle.

Apple's 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max is its newest, biggest flagship device, and Casetify has an attractive, slim case ready to go for the new device and its sibling, the 5.8-inch iPhone XS.

Casetify's Impact Cases for iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are some of the slimmest cases available that also offer Military Grade drop protection. They measure in at 2.8mm thick, but offer protection from drops of up to 6.6 feet.

Priced at $49, the Impact Case features a dual-layer construction with a "Qitech" shockproof material that offers both impact resistance and shock absorption for protection from drops. iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are made from glass to allow for wireless charging, so a case like the Impact is essential.

If you're not familiar with Casetify, you should know that all of Casetify's cases are ultra customizable. You can choose from millions of artist designs or upload your own designs.

The Impact Case features a high gloss finish that can be customized with any design and there's a raised bezel to protect the screen when it's face down. A flash absorbent camera ring is located at the back and the Qitech material at the sides adds style and protection. All Casetify cases work with wireless charging.

Casetify is giving an iPhone XS Max and case bundle to one lucky MacRumors reader, but those who don't win can get a 20 percent discount on an Impact Case from the Casetify website, dropping the price from $49 to $39. Just use code MACRUMORS when checking out.

To enter to win the iPhone XS Max, use the Rafflecopter widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winners and send the prizes. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page.

Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.

The iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are now up for pre-order on Apple.com, and with the debut of new smartphones from Apple, all of the major carriers have also kicked off their own special offers for the devices. Below we've taken a look at the major iPhone XS-related deals from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint, so read on to see how you can save some money if you haven't yet purchased one of the latest iPhones.

If you buy the iPhone XS with AT&T, you'll get another XS for $700 off if both are purchased on AT&T Next. The limited time offer requires a new line to be added onto a Next plan, and the $700 promotion will be applied over 30 months.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

If you would prefer the second device in the BOGO deal to be an iPhone 8, you can also get the 64GB iPhone 8 ($599.99) or the 64GB iPhone 8 Plus ($699.99) for free.

AT&T notes that you can also receive the $700 as a credit towards a more expensive iPhone, including a 256GB iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, or iPhone XS Max (priced up to $1,450). In these cases the second iPhone will be discounted but not completely free.

Head to AT&T for more details.

Verizon essentially has the same offer as AT&T, allowing you to mix-and-match a BOGO deal where you can buy the iPhone XS, XS Max, X, 8, or 8 Plus, add a new line to one of the phones, and save $700 on the second. In Verizon's offer, the credit of $29.16 will be added to your monthly bill for the next 24 months.

This means that you'll pay full price for the two iPhones over 24 months, but then in one to two billing cycles you'll begin to see a credit of $29.16 added to your account. The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus in the deal are for the 256GB model, but if you opt for the 64GB option the credit placed on your account will be $24.99 per month.

Alternatively, Verizon's second offer lets you save $100 with select trade-ins. When purchasing an iPhone XS, XS Max, X, 8, or 8 Plus with a select trade-in (that's in good working and cosmetic condition), you'll receive $100 over 24 months as a monthly credit. Verizon will send a prepaid package to mail the trade-in within 30 days at no cost.

The carrier notes that if your trade-in is valued at higher than $100 then you'll get the full value as an account credit, or new customers can get the full value as a virtual gift card sent two weeks after it receives your device.

Devices eligible for trade-in include: iPhone X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6s Plus, 6s, 6 plus, 6, 5s and SE. Non-Apple devices include: Google Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel and Pixel XL; LG V30, V20, V10, G6, G5 and G4; Motorola Z2 Force, Z Force, Z2 Play, Z Play, Z Droid, Z Play and Turbo 2; Samsung GS9, GS9+, GS8, GS8+, GS7, 7 Edge, 7 Active, GS6, 6 Edge, 6 Edge+, 6 Active, GS5, GS4, Note 8, Note 5, Note 4 and Note Edge; HTC 10 and M9/M9+.

Head to Verizon for more details.

At T-Mobile, if you buy an iPhone XS, XS Max, X, 8, or 8 Plus, you can save up to $300 through bill credits that expand over 24 months with an eligible iPhone trade-in. The new device must be purchased on one of T-Mobile's monthly payment plans, and the trade-ins are required to be in good condition, with values designated below:

- Devices in good condition for $300 value: iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus

- Devices in good condition for $200 value: iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus

- Devices in good condition for $100 value: iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone SE, iPhone 5C

If you meet all of these criteria, T-Mobile will add a credit of up to $12.50 on your monthly bill for 24 months, after one to two bill cycles following the trade-in shipping.

Head to T-Mobile for more details.

Sprint has a few offers as well, with the 64GB iPhone XS available for $0/month or the 64GB XS Max for $4.17/month following an eligible trade-in. These include iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S9, Samsung Galaxy S9+, LG G7 ThinQ, Samsung Galaxy S8, Samsung Galaxy S8+, Samsung Galaxy S8 Active, Samsung Galaxy Note8, Google Pixel 2, and Google Pixel 2XL.

With the value of the trade-in, you'll get $41.67 per month credit for both 64GB models of the iPhone XS and XS Max, applied within two billing cycles. The new devices must be purchased on an 18-month lease, with a new line and approved credit.

As a more basic offer, if you switch to Sprint you'll get $100 for each new line of service that you add when you lease a new smartphone. The credit will come in the form of a $100 Prepaid Mastercard for each new line that you add. Besides the lease, this deal requires online registration and 60 days of service before you see the card shipped.

Head to Sprint for more details.

Pre-orders for the iPhone XS and XS Max went up at 12:01 a.m. PDT earlier this morning, and shipping estimates for the bigger XS Max began slipping under an hour after orders went live. The new Apple Watch Series 4 also went up for pre-order at the same time today, and now almost all stainless steel Apple Watch Series 4 models are listing shipping dates of October 5 to October 12, with the exception of some 40mm models.

For more information on the iPhone XS, be sure to visit our full roundup.