Porsche has recently launched new CarPlay-equipped audio systems compatible with classic Porsche vehicles dating as far back as the 1960s (via TechCrunch). Currently available only in Europe, the systems are available in a 1-DIN size for the 911 and other Porsches with the narrow-format radio standard and a 2-DIN size for the more recent 986 and 996 models supporting larger radio sizes. Pricing comes in at around 1350 euros for the 1-DIN model and 1520 euros for the 2-DIN model.
The audio systems are designed with a Porsche look to match their compatible vehicles, although any touchscreen will obviously look somewhat out of place in a vintage vehicle. In addition to CarPlay, other modern features like onboard navigation and DAB+ digital audio are also supported.
Update: It looks like at least the 1-DIN model will also be coming to the United States and it will be SiriusXM-ready.
Gazelle today kicked off its new spring cleaning sale, offering up to 15 percent off select iPhones on its refurbished storefront, and up to 10 percent off MacBooks. During this event, you can also get an extra 10 percent trade-in credit on all Apple products valued at over $125.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Gazelle. 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 refurbished iPhones on sale, there are many models you can purchase at a discount today. This starts with the iPhone 6s as low as $93.60 for the 16GB model in fair condition on a cellular carrier.
Following iPhone 6s deals, you'll find discounts on the iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, and iPhone XR at up to 15 percent off refurbished prices. Other solid deals include a 32GB iPhone 7 for $179.10 and a 64GB iPhone 8 for $278.10.
All of Gazelle's refurbished smartphones go through its 30-point inspection process, ensuring each device is in full working order. Gazelle also supports 30 day returns for its refurbished products.
If you're looking to trade in an Apple product, you can get an extra 10 percent bonus on trade-ins at Gazelle right now. The device will need to be valued at $125 or more, and this offer will last through April 27.
Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.
In a recently updated support document, Apple has advised customers not to include any bands or accessories when mailing in their Apple Watch to the company for repair, as they apparently will not be returned upon completion of servicing.
Your Apple Watch band and any other accessories that you send won't be returned, so please remove them before sending your Apple Watch in for service.
Learn how to remove your band. If you have a Link Bracelet band, remember to separate the links before you remove the band.
The support document previously said that customers "don't need" to send in their Apple Watch band or other accessories.
AppleInsider reported that Apple's prior approach was to bundle together any bands or accessories sent alongside an Apple Watch and return them when possible. It is unclear what prompted this to change.
Darkroom, a popular camera app designed for iOS devices, was today updated with a new feature that allows users to edit videos as well as photos.
With the addition of video editing, all of Darkroom's photo editing tools can be used with videos too, for what Darkroom's developers say is a quick, lightweight editing experience.
Videos autoplay and loop, with edits made in realtime, plus there are transitions, no-import workflows, and batch editing for seamless and fast video edits. Existing filters will work on videos, and there is a new premium Cinematic filter pack designed specifically for videos, which offers a range of looks from black and white to teal and orange.
Video editing is a feature that is included in the Darkroom+ subscription option, priced at $3.99 per month, $19.99 per year, or a one-time fee of $49.99. Non-subscribers can test the features and the filters, but won't be able to export edited video without a subscription.
Darkroom swapped to a subscription-based business model for new users back in February, and with this update, is renaming that subscription service to Darkroom+. Darkroom+ provides access to video editing and all of Darkroom's filters and editing tools.
Apple and Samsung have partnered to launch an Apple Music app for Samsung smart TVs, according to The Verge. The app, which is rolling out today, will be supported on 2018 and later TVs.
This is the first time Apple Music has expanded directly to smart TVs, and the app looks similar to the Apple TV version of Apple Music.
Many of Samsung's recent smart TVs also support the Apple TV app, which offers access to Apple TV+, Apple TV channels, and movie and TV show rentals and purchases.
Woot's latest flash sale is focusing on refurbished models of the Apple Watch Series 4, available in both 40mm and 44mm sizes. These discounts are only for Wi-Fi models of the Apple Watch Series 4, as cellular models have sold out quickly at Woot.
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.
40mm models are priced at $279.99, and you can get them in a Rose Gold case color with Pink Sport Band, or Silver case with White Sport Band. All of these models of the Apple Watch Series 4 come with 16GB of internal storage, which you can use to store music on the wearable.
44mm models are priced at $299.99, and they come in both previously mentioned colorways as well as in a Space Gray aluminum case with a Black Sport Band. Because Woot is owned by Amazon, Prime members can get free shipping if they purchase one of these Series 4 models today.
These refurbished Apple Watch models are expected to have a moderate level of wear and tear, which may include scratches, dents, and dings. Woot promises that outside of their physical appearance, they have been tested to be in full working condition.
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
The report claims that Apple is developing three Mac processors based on the A14 chip in upcoming iPhone 12 models. At least one of these processors will apparently be much faster than the A-series chips in the iPhone and iPad. Like the A14 chip, the Mac processors are expected to be manufactured by TSMC based on its 5nm process.
Apple's first Mac processors will have 12 cores, including eight high-performance cores and at least four energy-efficient cores, according to the report. Apple is said to be exploring Mac processors with more than 12 cores for further in the future, with the company already designing a second generation of Mac processors based on the A15 chip.
The first Arm-based Mac is likely to be a notebook, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects at least one Mac desktop with an Apple processor next year too.
Following a conference call with Apple CEO Tim Cook, EU industry leader Thierry Breton has said in a statement that Apple has a "responsibility" to make sure that contact tracing apps work on its iPhones, reports Reuters.
It is "the responsibility of companies such as Apple to do their utmost to develop suitable technical solutions to make the national apps work. Coordination with EU member states' health authorities is paramount," Breton said in a statement.
The two did not talk about any specific case, an EU official said.
The comments follow a spat between Apple and the French government, which has demanded that the company change the privacy settings of its iPhones to make them work with France's planned contact tracing app.
iOS prevents apps like the one France is working on from using Bluetooth in the background if the data collected is going to be moved off of the device, which is a rule designed to protect user privacy. With this limitation, a contact tracing app is only able to access Bluetooth when an iPhone is unlocked and the app is open.
France is aiming to launch a contact tracing app by May 11, but it has complained that Apple's restriction is standing in the way. However, Apple is developing its own Bluetooth-based smartphone tracking solution to allow governments and health agencies to reduce the spread of the coronavirus while also protecting user privacy.
iGeneration reports that Cook gave Breton a release date for its contact tracing API during their call. In a press conference following the talks, Breton revealed that Cook told him the first version of the API will be available on April 28.
Apple's original statement about the API on April 10 said it would be released in May, and would enable interoperability between Android and iOS devices using apps from public health authorities.
In the coming months, Google and Apple will work to enable a broader Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform by building this functionality into their underlying platforms. Apple says that this solution is more robust than an API and will allow more individuals to participate, if they choose to opt in, and it will enable interaction with a broader ecosystem of apps and government health authorities.
Skype has introduced support for custom backgrounds in video calls, following the recent popularity of an equivalent feature in Zoom.
The option to use custom backgrounds is part of the version 8.59.0.77 update for Mac, Windows, Linux, and Web, which began rolling out on April 16. As Skype's release notes describe the feature:
"Want to look like you're calling from the beach, or from space? Now you can, with custom backgrounds for your video calls."
Once you've received the update, follow these steps to use a custom background while on a call. The second set of steps in this article explain how to set up a custom background for all your calls.
How to Add a Custom Background to Your Skype Call
Launch Skype and initiate a call.
Once you're connected, click the More menu (the three dots) or hover over the video button.
Click Choose background effect.
Add a new image to customize your background effect, or select one you've previously added. You can also Blur the real background of the room you're in.
How to Set Up a Custom Background for All Your Skype Calls
Launch Skype and click your profile picture.
Click the Settings button (the cog icon), then click the Audio & Video button (the mic icon).
Add a new image to customize your background effect, or select one you've previously added. You can also Blur the real background of the room you're in.
In addition to custom backgrounds, this latest Skype update also makes it easier to share files directly from your Mac to your Skype contacts and offers quicker access to call controls in the chat window. You can learn more about the update on the Skype website.
Apple last week surprised us with the early launch of the new Magic Keyboard designed for the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models, and as of this week, orders are arriving to customers. We picked up one of the new Magic Keyboards for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and tested it out to see how it works and whether it's worth the $350 selling price.
Apple actually sells the Magic Keyboard in 11 and 12.9-inch sizes, and while the 12.9-inch model is $350, the 11-inch version is priced at $299. Though sized to fit the 2020 iPad Pro models, the Magic Keyboards are also compatible with the 2018 iPad Pro models, so 2018 iPad Pro owners won't need to upgrade to take advantage of the keyboard.
Apple has offered an iPad keyboard in the form of the Smart Keyboard (and Smart Keyboard Folio) for quite some time, but this is the first time that Apple has developed an iPad keyboard with a trackpad with the intention of turning the iPad into something more akin to a MacBook.
Design wise, coming out of the box, the Magic Keyboard looks similar to the Smart Keyboard that was previously sold, but it's a lot thicker and a lot heavier.
The Magic Keyboard for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro weighs more than the iPad Pro itself, in fact, at 1.6 pounds (the iPad Pro weighs 1.4 pounds). When you put the keyboard on the iPad Pro, that's a combined weight of three pounds, which is heavier than a MacBook Air and close to the weight of a MacBook Pro.
It is a hefty keyboard that absolutely adds a lot of bulk to the sleek and slim iPad Pro. The 11-inch Magic Keyboard is smaller and not quite as heavy, but you're still doubling the weight of the iPad.
The Magic Keyboard is made from the same polyurethane material that Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio was made from, and design wise, what sets it apart is a hinge that enables a "floating" design. The case attaches magnetically but pulls away at the bottom when the keyboard is in use, with lower part of the iPad kind of floating in space to allow for adjustable viewing angles with the hinge.
The magnetic attachment is strong enough that you don't need to worry about the iPad Pro shifting or being shaken loose if you move it, and the case itself provides a minimal amount of protection, similar to the Smart Keyboard case.
The hinge at the bottom of the case is made from aluminum and it has a built-in USB-C port for passthrough charging so you can charge your iPad Pro while the Magic Keyboard is connected. The USB-C port on the iPad Pro isn't obscured by the Magic Keyboard, but a cable from the side of the keyboard itself and out of the way looks nicer than one coming out of the middle of the iPad while it's used in landscape mode.
The USB-C port is limited to passthrough charging and it does not support data transfer, so you'll still need adapters for doing things like connecting the iPad Pro to an external display. Charging is also not quite as fast as it is when plugging a USB-C cable directly into the iPad Pro.
When it comes to the hinge, it's sturdy and strong, and when the Magic Keyboard is opened, it locks right into place and is in an upright position, but then you can make adjustments to the viewing angle. Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio only had two viewing angles, but the hinge can be fine tuned and set at more angles, though the range of motion is similar to the Smart Keyboard Folio.
There is no way to fold the Magic Keyboard back behind the iPad Pro to get to an ideal sketching angle for the iPad Pro, but flipping the whole thing backwards kind of works. The best solution for drawing is probably to pop the Magic Keyboard off of the iPad Pro, but it's definitely a disappointment that there's no built-in drawing angle.
The keyboard itself feels great, and it's nothing like Apple's previous Smart Keyboards. The keys have a good amount of travel and feel nice under the fingers, plus there's backlighting for the keys. Unfortunately Apple did not include a row of function keys so there's no quick way to adjust backlighting, change brightness, or access media playback controls from the keyboard itself.
The backlighting changes based on the ambient lighting in the room so users shouldn't need too much manual adjustment, but it's still a disappointment not to have the function keys, including an escape key. Command + the period key typically serves as an alternative to an escape key or another key can be remapped to that function, but it would have been nice to have a dedicated escape key.
Apple's main selling point for the new Magic Keyboard is, of course, the trackpad, and it works great. It's similar to using a trackpad with a Mac, though much smaller of course. Many gestures are supported, such as swiping down with three fingers to access the Home screen, swiping up with three fingers to get to the multitasking view, and more. We have a list of gestures in our Magic Keyboard guide, if you're looking for more comprehensive gesture info.
Having a trackpad to use with the keyboard and the touch screen makes the iPad Pro experience much more similar to a traditional laptop, but you are, of course, still limited to iPadOS rather than macOS, which is still a major factor when it comes to multitasking, app selection, and more.
The Magic Keyboard is heavy and it definitely reduces the portability of the iPad Pro, but for those who plan to use the iPad Pro as a full computer replacement, it adds so much utility that it's most likely worth the weight and the price tag. If the iPad Pro is a secondary machine and you already have a Mac, the Magic Keyboard might not be as worthwhile, but it certainly provides the most Mac-like experience on an iPad to date.
What do you think of the Magic Keyboard? Are you getting one? Let us know in the comments.
Apple's vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson today participated in the Earth Day Live series on Twitch, where she talked about Apple's environmental efforts.
Jackson started things off by speaking a bit about her background and what inspired her to advocate for the environment and join the EPA prior to taking on her current role at Apple.
Before coming to Apple, I led the Environmental Protection Agency under President Obama. But long before that, I was an 8-year-old girl who saw my neighbors in New Orleans battling illness caused by chemical plants in our backyard. A girl who in 1970, wrote a letter to President Nixon imploring him to do something to protect the health of the people and the environment. That same year, we celebrated Earth Day in the U.S. for the very first time. And by the end of 1970, the EPA had officially opened its doors.
At the time, I had no idea I'd go on to work at the EPA and one day lead it, but I did know that at the heart of my concern for the planet was the health of people. Communities, families, people who deserve a healthy place to live, clean water to drink, and clean air to breathe.
Jackson went on to explain that every individual, business, and organization must take action to address climate change. "Policy is one solution, innovation is another," she said before delving into Apple's environmental efforts.
As Apple has said many times in the past, all of its facilities worldwide are run on renewable energy, and it has a program to help suppliers transition to 100 percent renewable energy as well. Apple has also been focusing heavily on using recycled materials in its products, with an ultimate goal of a closed-loop supply chain that relies solely on recycled materials and does not require minerals mined from the earth.
Jackson wrapped up her appearance with an inspiring message for up and coming environmental advocates.
On this 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we have much to be proud of, much to hope for, and much more to accomplish. Today's eight year olds are facing even greater challenges, but they also know a thing or two about the urgent work that lies ahead and that the health of our planet and our neighbors is a cause worth fighting for.
Jackson's full appearance can be watched on Twitch. To celebrate Earth Day, Apple is also highlighting Earth Day related apps in the App Store, but as stores are closed there are no retail store decorations nor is there an Apple Watch activity badge to earn.
Verizon today announced that it is planning to provide an additional 15GB of LTE data to all consumer and small business plans in May to continue to support its customers who are working from home.
The 15GB of data will be automatically added to consumer and small business shared data plans, hotspots, and jetpacks, and can be used from May 1 through May 31.
Verizon continues to support customers who may find themselves needing additional data in order to learn, work or keep connected during this challenging time. That's why today, we announced we are automatically adding an additional 15GB of 4G LTE data to consumer and small business* shared data plans, hotspots and jetpacks to be used from May 1 through May 31. There is no action needed as this data will automatically be added to consumer and small business accounts.
Verizon in April provided customers with an extra 15GB of data to use, and the extra data is available to all postpaid metered customers, prepaid customers, and Jetpack owners. Customers with unlimited data plans are able to use the extra data as hotspot data, but data caps remain in place.
During the ongoing health crisis, Verizon has waived overage charges and has promised not to terminate service for customers who are unable to pay at this time.
Other wireless carriers have also been providing additional benefits to customers. T-Mobile scrapped smartphone data caps entirely for 60 days, while AT&T provided extra hotspot data.
Every year on April 22 we celebrate Earth Day in support of environmental causes, and during a normal year, Apple goes all out with Earth Day-related initiatives, green leaf logos on Apple retail stores, green T-shirts for employees, Earth Day Apple Watch challenges, and more.
This year, amid the ongoing health crisis, Apple's celebrations are muted, as with retail stores closed, there's no opportunity for in-store celebrations. Instead, Apple is promoting Earth Day-related apps in its App Store and has shared an Earth Day-themed Apple TV+ short film.
More than ever before, we can see the crucial role each of us plays in our collective wellbeing—for humanity and for our planet. Apple embraces this every day as we work to operate on clean energy and use fewer of the world’s resources—and we aren’t slowing down. #EarthDay2020
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 22, 2020
There are several Earth Day categories in the Today section of the App Store, highlighting a wide range of apps that are focused on the environment.
In the "Lend a Hand From Home" category, for example, Apple highlights Ecosia, an app that lets you plant trees with searches, and Poshmark, an app for buying second-hand clothes. Happy Cow, an app for finding plant-based food options is promoted, along with Green Kitchen, an app filled with vegetarian recipes.
A "Reconnect with Nature" section features apps for learning about local flora and fauna through pictures taken with the camera, while a Disney+ section highlights new Disneynature films on elephants, dolphins, and penguins.
There's also an "Explore the Deep Blue Sea" section in the Today portion of the App Store that highlights Apple Arcade game "Beyond Blue, which is described as an open-world adventure where players take on the role of Mirai, a marine biologist who explores a myriad of ocean life.
Last Friday, Apple released a new Earth Day short film narrated by Meryl Streep. "Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth" teaches children about the wonders of the planet.
Apple hasn't shared any other Earth Day-themed features as of yet this year, and unfortunately, with most people social distancing and remaining indoors, Apple has opted not to do an activity challenge for Apple Watch owners. It's not yet clear if there will be more Earth Day-themed features coming from Apple for the weekend.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of celebrating Earth Day around the world, and the theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action.
ZecOps claims that one of the vulnerabilities enables an attacker to remotely infect an iOS device by sending emails that consume a significant amount of memory, while another could allow remote code execution capabilities. Successful exploitation of the vulnerabilities is said to allow an attacker to leak, modify, and delete a user's emails.
Targets of the vulnerabilities have apparently included corporate executives and government officials rather than average end users.
The vulnerabilities are said to impact all software versions between iOS 6 and iOS 13.4.1. ZecOps said that Apple has patched the vulnerabilities in the latest beta of iOS 13.4.5, which should be publicly released within the coming weeks. In the meantime, ZecOps recommends using a third-party email app like Gmail or Outlook, which are apparently not impacted.
Verizon and Nimble today announced a new partnership that will bring Nimble's eco-friendly accessories to Verizon.com and over 1,600 Verizon retail locations across the United States. The partnership is part of Verizon's new initiative to offer customers low-impact alternatives to popular tech accessories.
On Nimble's side, the accessory maker is well known for its environmentally friendly and ethically sourced accessories, which it's been selling since 2018. Nimble manufactures its devices from recycled plastic and aluminum, organic hemp, plant-based bioplastic, and more, and every accessory comes in a plastic-free package built from recycled scrap paper.
“The world is changing. People are seeking more ethical options in all product categories from apparel to home goods. Personal technology should be no different,” said Ross Howe, Nimble Co-Founder and CEO. “We created Nimble to push consumer electronics in a better direction. Today, thanks to Verizon’s vision, we’re helping play an even larger role in reducing the impact these products create.”
Nimble sells portable chargers, wireless chargers, Lightning cables, and iPhone cases. Every device purchased from Nimble also comes with a biodegradable envelope, which encourages customers to recycle their old electronics for free by mailing them in to Nimble.
With the new Verizon partnership, this will mark the first time that Nimble products are being sold in physical retail stores. The first set of products that will be sold at Verizon include the Wireless Pad ($49.99), 3-Day Portable Charger ($79.99), USB-C to Lightning Cable ($24.99), Fast USB-C to USB-C Cable ($24.99), and Fast USB-C Wall Charger ($24.99).
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Woot today launched a new sale on Philips Hue smart lighting products, including the brand's smart hub, LightStrip+ Extension, various starter kits and bulb sets, and more.
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.
Prices start at $14.76 for the LightStrip+ Extension, which works as a way to expand the length of an existing Philips Hue LightStrip. This accessory typically sells for around $25.
Other standalone products on sale include the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Smart Bulb at $32.79, and the Hue Smart Hub at $33.59. We've rounded up the rest of the refurbished Hue accessories on sale below:
All of the Hue products on sale today have been tested and certified to look and work like new, and also include all relevant accessories and at least a 90 day warranty. Woot does note that some devices may ship in generic packaging. Head to Woot to shop the full sale.
Facebook has announced the launch of Messenger Kids in over 70 more countries as well as several new features for parents to help their children connect with friends and family during the global health crisis.
The new features include Supervised Friending, which gives parents the option to allow their kids to accept, reject, add or remove contacts.
When a child takes a friending action, parents will be notified through Messenger and can override any new connections made by going to the Parent Dashboard, where they will also be able to see a log of recent activities.
Facebook is also letting parents approve other adults to connect their child with other children through group chats in the Messenger Kids app. Facebook likens the feature to how a teacher might "help their child navigate classroom or team friendships" in the real world.
Lastly, parents in the U.S., Canada and Latin America can now make their children's name and photo visible to certain users.
Facebook originally launched Messenger Kids in the United States in December 2017, aimed at kids under the age of 13. The app has arrived in a handful of additional countries since then, but today's announcement is its broadest rollout by far.
Facebook said that it developed the app with guidance from the National PTA, as well as experts in child development and online safety. Messenger Kids does not require children to create a Facebook account, but instead asks parents to download the app, authenticate it, and then create a miniature profile of their kid that is linked to the parent's Facebook account.
First impressions and reviews of the new iPhone SE are now out, with many praising the device's flagship performance at a budget-friendly price.
The second-generation iPhone SE has a similar design as the iPhone 8, including a 4.7-inch display and a Touch ID home button, but it takes a big leap forward in performance. Despite starting at just $399, the device is powered by the latest-and-greatest A13 Bionic chip, the same processor found inside the high-end iPhone 11 Pro.
If I were buying the iPhone SE, I'd seriously consider spending the extra $50 to upgrade the storage to 128GB, just in case I'd want it three or five years down the road. That timespan is the reason the iPhone SE is a big deal. No other phone that costs less than $500 can claim to be this good, nor last that long.
The iPhone SE is not just a good deal. It's also a really good smartphone.
The new iPhone SE can be pre-ordered on Apple.com in the United States and more than 40 other countries and regions. Pricing starts at $399 for 64GB of storage, with 128GB and 256GB options available for $449 and $549 respectively. The first deliveries to customers and in-store availability at select resellers will begin Friday, April 24.
Apple's first foldable iPhone, with a book-style design featuring a ~5.5-inch outer display and a ~7.8-inch inner display with a minimal crease down the middle.
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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.
Skype has introduced support for custom backgrounds in video calls, following the recent popularity of an equivalent feature in Zoom.
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.
