MacRumors

For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Plugable to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win an 11-inch iPad Pro and two Plugable accessories to go along with it: the TBT4-UD5 Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station, and the magnetic AMS-STAND-11.

Plugable makes a range of docks, hubs, cables, stands, and other accessories for Apple's Mac and iPad lineup, and the TBT4-UD5 and AMS-STAND-11 are two of its newest devices.

Priced at $180 with a limited-time $20 discount, the TBT4-UD5 Thunderbolt 4 Dock includes all of the ports that you might need for a Mac. It is equipped with dual-display HDMI support at 4K 60Hz (or a single 8K display), a downstream Thunderbolt 4 port, a 10Gb/s USB-C port, two 10Gb/s USB-A ports, two 5Gb/s USB-A ports, SD and microSD card readers, a gigabit ethernet port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The dock supports up to 100W power delivery, so it is able to provide power to even the 16-inch MacBook Pro. While it can drive dual 4K displays at 60Hz through the Thunderbolt 4 port, this requires an M-series Pro or Max chip. 15W of power is available for charging peripheral devices such as an ‌iPad‌.

Plugable's AMS-STAND11 Magnetic iPad Stand is compatible with the 11-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ and the 10.9-inch iPad Air. It is made from an aluminum alloy that matches well with the ‌iPad‌, and it includes strong N52 magnets and anti-slip silicone padding to keep the ‌iPad‌ in place.

The stand has a 180-degree adjustable hinged arm that supports multiple viewing angles, along with a 360-degree rotatable panel for swapping between landscape and portrait orientations. With the adjustable arm, the stand can be folded down so far that it turns into a suitable surface for drawing and sketching.

When not in use, the stand is able to fold flat, which makes it easy to transport and take to school or work. Plugable is selling the stand for $80, but there is a $5 coupon available to celebrate the stand's launch. For those with the larger ‌iPad Pro‌ model, there's also a 12.9-inch version.

We have an 11-inch ‌iPad Pro‌, Thunderbolt 4 dock, and ‌iPad‌ stand for one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner(s) and send the prize(s). You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, following us on Threads, 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, UK 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. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. 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 contest will run from today (January 19) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on January 26. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after January 26 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss CES 2024, Samsung's S24 lineup, and the latest news surrounding Apple's Vision Pro headset.

We take a look at some of the latest advancements in TV technology, including transparent models from LG, and AI assistants like Rabbit R1. We also look at some of the tentpole features of Samsung's new Galaxy S24 lineup, such as a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and a wave of AI tools designed for enhancing photography and videography, editing text, and more.

Following Apple's announcement of the impending launch of the Vision Pro headset on February 2, we discuss the device's potential to redefine the AR/VR space, especially in the context of productivity workflows. We also address potential concerns regarding comfort and design, storage configurations, and our sense of anticipation about the device's launch.

The MacRumors Show is now exclusively on its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips going forward:

You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player.

If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our look forward at all of Apple's biggest rumored announcements for 2024.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for new episodes every week, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by interesting guests like Kevin Nether, Jared Nelson, Eli Hodapp, Luke Miani, Mike Bell, Sara Dietschy, iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Jon Prosser, Sam Kohl, Quinn Nelson, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie.

‌The MacRumors Show‌ is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.

Apple today provided a behind-the-scenes look at how its upcoming Vision Pro headset is manufactured in a video uploaded to its YouTube channel. The video was also shared by Apple CEO Tim Cook on social media platform X.

"A peek behind the scenes to see how we make Apple Vision Pro, our first spatial computer," said Apple, in the video's description on YouTube.

Apple began accepting pre-orders for the Vision Pro in the U.S. today, with pricing starting at $3,499. The headset launches February 2.

Best Buy has opened up a new 3-day weekend sale today, offering sitewide discounts on laptops, TVs, video games, headphones, tablets, sound bars, and much more. In terms of Apple products, this sale includes discounts on MacBooks, Apple Watches, AirPods, and iPads.

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

Some of these deals require a My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total membership, which start at $49.99/year. In addition to exclusive access to select discounts, you'll get free 2-day shipping, an extended 60-day return window, and more.

For MacBooks, the highlight is Apple's 512GB 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro for $1,399.00 for My Best Buy Plus/Total members, down from $1,599.00. Best Buy also has the 1TB 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro on sale for $1,599.00, down from $1,799.00. Both of these are matches for the all-time low price on each computer.

Apple Watches

• Apple Watch SE (40mm GPS) - $199.00, down from $249.00
• Apple Watch SE (44mm GPS) - $229.00, down from $279.00
• Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm GPS) - $329.00, down from $399.00
• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm GPS) - $359.00, down from $429.00
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 - $749.00, down from $799.00

AirPods/Beats

• AirPods 2 - $99.99, down from $129.99
• Beats Fit Pro - $159.99, down from $199.99
• AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) - $189.99, down from $249.99

MacBooks

• 256GB M2 15-inch MacBook Air - $1,049.00, down from $1,299.00
• 512GB M2 15-inch MacBook Air - $1,249.00, down from $1,499.00
• 512GB M3 14-inch MacBook Pro - $1,399.00, down from $1,599.00
• 1TB M3 14-inch MacBook Pro - $1,599.00, down from $1,799.00
• 1TB M2 15-inch MacBook Air - $1,649.00, down from $1,899.00

iPads

• 64GB Wi-Fi 10th Gen iPad - $349.00, down from $449.00
• 256GB Wi-Fi 10th Gen iPad - $499.00, down from $599.00
• 64GB Wi-Fi iPad Air - $499.99, down from $599.99
• 256GB Wi-Fi iPad Air - $649.99, down from $749.99

Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.

Apple today provided a closer look at what comes in the box with the Vision Pro, which is now available to pre-order in the United States.

Two notable accessories include a cover for the Vision Pro's front glass, and a polishing cloth with Vision Pro branding. Other accessories are more familiar by now, including the Solo Knit Band, Dual Loop Band, external battery pack, and more.

Alongside the Vision Pro, the following accessories are included in the box:

• Light Seal
• Light Seal Cushion (Two Sizes)
• Solo Knit Band
• Dual Loop Band
• Front Cover
• Battery Pack
• Polishing Cloth (Vision Pro Branding)
• 30W USB-C Power Adapter
• USB‑C Charging Cable

For more details about these accessories, read our previous coverage of what's in the box.

Apple's Vision Pro headset can weigh almost 23 ounces (650 grams), depending on configuration, the company today confirmed.

Apple says that the Vision Pro specifically weighs between 21.2 and 22.9 ounces (600 and 650 grams) depending on which Light Seal and head band is used on the device. The separate battery weighs 12.5 ounces (353 grams). For reference, this means that an Apple Vision Pro, excluding the battery, weighs almost as much as a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which comes in at 24 ounces (682 grams).

The weight of Apple's headset was unknown until today, but it was widely rumored to be heavy compared to competing devices. This is not necessarily the case, since while the Meta Quest 3 weighs 18.2 ounces (516 grams), the higher-end Meta Quest Pro weighs 25.5 ounces (722 grams) – substantially more than the Vision Pro. However, the Meta Quest Pro has a weighted battery pack at the back of the headset's headband to make it much less front-heavy and ostensibly improve comfort.

Pre-orders of the Vision Pro opened earlier today and the device launches in the United States on Friday, February 2.

The optional ZEISS lens inserts designed for Apple's Vision Pro headset can be engraved at no additional cost.

Custom wording of the customer's choice can be engraved into the black plastic sides of the optional ZEISS lens inserts designed for those who normally wear glasses or contact lenses. The option is probably intended to help multiple users identify which lens inserts belong to them, rather than be a novel way to personalize the device, since they are very small and there is no other engraving option for the Vision Pro.

Apple offers two versions of the ZEISS Optical Inserts at different price points. "ZEISS Optical Inserts — Readers" are available for $99, while "ZEISS Optical Inserts — Prescription" are available for $149. The inserts attach to the Vision Pro lenses magnetically, allowing for precise viewing and eye tracking. Purchase requires a valid prescription from an optician.

Pre-orders of the Vision Pro started earlier today and the device goes on sale in the United States on Friday, February 2.

For international customers who are thinking of purchasing Apple Vision Pro in the United States and using it in their own country, Apple has cautioned that they will be faced with several limitations when attempting to use the device.

According to a FAQ on Apple's Vision Pro pre-order page on its online store, the experience will differ from a U.S.-based customer in the following ways:

• ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ only supports English (U.S.) for language and typing and English for Siri and Dictation.
• App Store requires an Apple ID with region set to the U.S.
• Purchases on Apple Music and TV app require an ‌Apple ID‌ with region set to the U.S.
• For customers with vision correction needs, ZEISS will only accept vision prescriptions written by U.S. eye care professionals, and will only ship to U.S. locations.
• Customers may not be able to access certain apps, features, or content due to licensing or other restrictions in those countries or regions.
• Apple Support is only available in the U.S.

Apple says that the spatial computing headset is designed for customers in the U.S. to use at home, at work, and while traveling. "We look forward to bringing ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ to more countries later this year," notes the company.

While orders are limited to the United States for the time being, Apple is likely to launch the Vision Pro headset outside the U.S. before WWDC 2024 in June, with Canada and the United Kingdom tipped as the first two other countries in which the headset will be available.

The Vision Pro will launch on Friday, February 2, which is when pre-orders will be delivered to U.S. customers.

Apple today published a ten-minute "Guided Tour" video for its Vision Pro headset, walking new users through its interface and key features.

The video, available on the Vision Pro page of Apple's website and on YouTube, provides a basic overview of how to use the headset and its key features. It highlights aspects like viewing photos and panoramas, Spatial Video playback, placing windows in 3D space, FaceTime calls, immersive environments, bringing a Mac display into the space, and experiences like Mindfulness and "Encounter Dinosaurs." Watch the full Guided Tour video on Apple's website.

Pre-orders of the Vision Pro opened earlier today and the device launches in the U.S. on Friday, February 2.

Delivery dates for orders of Apple's Vision Pro headset have already slipped to mid-March after pre-orders opened earlier today.

The Vision Pro launches in the United States on Friday, February 2, but those now placing an online pre-order will not receive the headset until around the middle of March for all three storage capacities. This delivery time frame is likely to get pushed back even further as more people place orders.

Apple could have some in-store stock available for in-person purchase on Friday, February 2, as well as in subsequent days and weeks as stores receive new deliveries for walk-in buyers, but supply is still highly likely to be limited. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently reported that only 80,000 headsets would be available for the device's launch and warned that the device could quickly sell out.

Apple Vision Pro should not be used while wearing hard contact lenses, Apple says in its pre-order process for its new spatial computing headset.

According to a new linked support document, wearing hard contacts "might impact your experience with ‌Apple Vision Pro‌." Apple goes on to suggest that those who use such contacts when not wearing glasses may be able to use ZEISS Optical Inserts instead.

If you experience difficulty with eye tracking, and your eye care provider has indicated that eye glasses with a comprehensive prescription are an option for you, then you may consider ordering ZEISS Optical Inserts. Otherwise, you may use an alternate form of input such as Pointer Control.

For users who have had monovision corrective surgery, Apple recommends that they consult with an eye care provider for a comprehensive prescription that works within the supported prescription range for ‌Apple Vision Pro‌. Apple also says that ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ works well with most soft contact lenses, but cosmetic contact lenses are not compatible with the headset and should be removed before using the device.

Apple also offers the following advice for people with a diagnosed vision condition:

Some medical conditions, such as those involving eyelid drooping, changes in eye alignment (including strabismus or lazy eye), or uncontrolled eye movements (including nystagmus) might make it difficult for Apple Vision Pro to properly detect your eyes. This might impact the visual experience.

Apple says that to compensate for any of the above, users can adapt ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ to suit their needs for navigation using the headset's accessibility features. Instead of using their eyes, users can use their wrist, head, index finger, or voice to navigate.

Starting at $3,499, ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ pre-orders are now open, with the devices scheduled to ship to customers on February 2.

Apple today added a range of Vision Pro accessories to its online store in the U.S., including a $199 travel case for the headset.

The travel case is designed by Apple and features compartments for the Vision Pro's external battery pack, ZEISS optical inserts, fabric front cover, and additional accessories. Apple says the case has a fabric exterior with a polycarbonate protective layer, a soft microfiber inner lining, and a retractable handle.

Other accessories for the Vision Pro added to Apple's online store:

• Vision Pro Battery Pack ($199)
• Belkin Battery Pack Holder ($49.95)
• ZEISS Optical Inserts ($99 to $149)
• Solo Knit Band ($99)
• Dual Loop Band ($99)
• Light Seal ($199)
• Light Seal Cushion ($29)

Vision Pro pre-orders started earlier today. The accessories are available to order now and will deliver starting Friday, February 2, the day the headset launches.

A top-specification Vision Pro headset with all optional extras costs $4,795.95, which is $1,296.95 more than the device's $3,499 starting price.

The Apple Vision Pro comes with a Solo Knit Band, a Dual Loop Band, a Light Seal, two Light Seal Cushions, a cover for the front of the device, a polishing cloth, a battery, a USB-C charging cable, and a USB-C power adapter. However, there are still several additional options for customers to add to their order, such as ZEISS lens inserts, which start at $99. When all of the extras not included as standard are added, the pricing breakdown is as follows:

• Apple Vision Pro: $3,499
• 1TB Storage Configuration: +$400
• ZEISS Optical Inserts — Prescription: +$149
• AppleCare+: +$499
• Belkin Battery Holder for Apple Vision Pro: +$49.95
• Apple Vision Pro Travel Case: +$199

Users can also purchase additional headbands, Light Seal Cushions, and batteries for their device from the Apple Store. The Vision Pro launches in the U.S. on Friday, February 2.

Today's Apple Vision Pro pre-order process unveiled that AppleCare+ for the headset is priced at $499.

At $499, the Vision Pro's optional support and service plan is one of the costliest available on any Apple device. This is in line with high-end Mac models at a similar price point to the Vision Pro, which costs $3,499.

‌AppleCare‌+ for the Vision Pro includes unlimited repairs for accidental damage protection, Apple-certified service and support, Express Replacement Service (the company will ship you a replacement so you don't have to wait for a repair), and 24/7 priority access to "Apple experts."

The pricing of ‌AppleCare‌+ for the Vision Pro was not clear until pre-orders opened earlier today. The Vision Pro launches in the U.S. on Friday, February 2.

Apple's Vision Pro headset is available with three different storage options, today's pre-order process has revealed.

The Vision Pro headset is available with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. While the existence of a 256GB model was confirmed upon Apple's announcement of the headset's release date earlier this month, the other specific storage options and their price points were unknown until pre-orders opened earlier today. The pricing for each of storage options is as follows:

• 256GB: $3,499
• 512GB: $3,699
• 1TB: $3,899

The only other added cost is reading or prescription ZEISS lens inserts for those who need them. The Vision Pro launches in the U.S. on Friday, February 2.

Apple today finally shared additional tech specs for its Vision Pro headset following the start of pre-orders in the United States.

Apple confirmed that the M2 chip in the Vision Pro is available with an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, along with 16GB of unified memory.

As previously announced, the Vision Pro is also equipped with an all-new R1 chip that "processes input from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones to ensure that content feels like it is appearing right in front of the user's eyes." Apple's tech specs reveal that the R1 chip has 256GB/s memory bandwidth.

Vision Pro is available with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options.

Vision Pro's dual micro-OLED displays deliver more than 23 million pixels, with 92% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space. Supported refresh rates include 90Hz, 96Hz, and 100Hz, with 24 fps and 30 fps video playback options.

The headset is equipped with two main cameras, six world‑facing tracking cameras, four eye‑tracking cameras, a TrueDepth camera, a LiDAR Scanner, four inertial measurement units, a flicker sensor, and an ambient light sensor. There is also a six‑microphone array with directional beamforming.

Vision Pro weighs 600 to 650 grams, depending on the Light Seal and head band configuration. The external battery packs weighs 353 grams.

Vision Pro is controlled with your hands, eyes, and/or voice, and it offers a variety of accessibility options. Optic ID provides iris-based biometric authentication.

The headset includes AirPlay support at up to 720p, allowing you to mirror your Vision Pro view to any AirPlay‑enabled device, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, most Apple TV models, and AirPlay‑enabled smart TVs.

As previously known, the Vision Pro offers up to two hours of battery life overall, and up to 2.5 hours for video playback.

Other specs and features include Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, HDR10 support, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and more.

Vision Pro launches in the U.S. on Friday, February 2, with pre-orders starting today. Apple previously announced that it would release the headset in additional countries later this year, but it's unclear exactly when or where.

For more details, visit the Vision Pro tech specs page on Apple's website.

Apple originally said AirPlay was supported at up to 1080p, but it now says up to 720p.

Apple is now accepting pre-orders for the Apple Vision Pro, the company's first spatial computing device. Orders are live in the U.S. online store, with the Vision Pro limited to the United States for the time being.

The Apple Store app on an iPhone or iPad with Face ID is the best way to order the Vision Pro, because the ordering process requires a face scan to determine the correctly sized Light Seal and head band for each user. Accessories need to be in the right size for the Vision Pro to work as intended.

Customers who wear eyeglasses will need to submit a valid, unexpired prescription from a U.S. eye-care professional to order ZEISS lenses that can be inserted into the headset, but this can be done after the ordering process.

Priced at $3,500, the Vision Pro features an aluminum alloy frame with a laminated glass front, and it is equipped with two 4K micro OLED displays with 23 million pixels combined. More than a dozen cameras do everything from tracking eye movements to registering hand gestures as a method of control to mapping the area around the wearer.

A soft, fitted Light Seal attaches magnetically to the frame and conforms to the wearer's face to block out ambient light, and there are two bands that come with it, including the Solo Knit Band and the Dual Loop Band. The Solo Knit Band is made of a stretchy, braided material, while the Dual Loop Band has an extra strap that goes over the head for better weight distribution.

As a mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro is able to display augmented reality content overlaid on the real world, or immersive content that is entirely virtual. A Digital Crown on the side of the device controls the level of immersiveness. The Vision Pro runs visionOS, and it has a dedicated App Store. It is also able to connect to a Mac to serve as a display, and it can be used with a keyboard and mouse. Apple is using an M2 chip in the Vision Pro with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, plus it has a second R1 chip that is responsible for interpreting the information coming from the cameras, sensors, and microphones.

With an included external battery pack, the Vision Pro lasts for up to 2.5 hours, but it can also be plugged in for all-day use.

Rumors suggest that Apple made a limited number of Vision Pro headsets for the initial launch of the device, and units are expected to sell out. Those who want to get their hands on a Vision Pro should plan to pre-order immediately.

The Vision Pro will launch on Friday, February 2, which is when pre-orders will be delivered. There may also be units available for in-store purchases at that time, but how many headsets each store will get is unknown.

This year's forthcoming iPhone 16 Pro models will be available with a new 2TB maximum storage option, claims a new rumor coming out of Korea.

According to news aggregator account "yeux1122" on the Naver blog, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available with double the maximum storage capacity as the iPhone 15 Pro models.

The move is said to be a result of Apple's recently rumored switch to higher-density Quad-Level Cell (QLC) NAND flash for higher storage models.

Apple's use of QLC NAND could allow Apple to fit more storage into a smaller space and it is less expensive than Triple-Level Cell (TLC) NAND, which current iPhones use. On the downside, QLC has comparatively slower read and write speeds.

It's worth noting that in the last couple of years we have seen rumors that both the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro would feature 2TB options for the same reason, but they turned out to be false.

That said, this year Apple is expected to add a new "Capture Button" to the iPhone 16 models for taking video. According to The Information, the button is being introduced to further push the iPhone as a camera alternative for shooting horizontal video, so offering higher storage options could be part of that plan.