MacRumors

Apple today released iOS 17.2 and iPadOS 17.2, the second major updates to the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes over a month after Apple released iOS 17.1 and iPadOS 17.1, updates that brought new AirDrop, StandBy, and Apple Music features.

iOS 17.2 and iPadOS 17.2 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple has also released an iOS 16.7.3 update for those who are unable to update to iOS 17.

The iOS 17.2 update includes the new Journal app, which is designed to allow iOS users to record key moments in their lives. The Journal app includes journaling suggestions, scheduled notifications, and options for adding photos, locations, and more.

For the iPhone 15 Pro models, iOS 17.2 adds a Translate option for the Action Button, which activates the Translate app for conversing with someone in another language. There's also now an option to record spatial video that will be viewable on the Apple Vision Pro headset in 3D.

In the Messages app, there's a catch-up arrow for jumping to the first unread message in a conversation, and an option to add stickers to chat bubbles through the tapback menu. There are new Weather and Clock widgets, support for accessing Health data through Siri, a Favorite Songs playlist in ‌Apple Music‌, and more.

Apple's full release notes for the update are below.

This update introduces Journal, an all-new way to reflect on life's moments and preserve your memories. This release also includes Action button and Camera enhancements, as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone.

Journal
- Journal is a new app that lets you write about the small moments and big events in your life so you can practice gratitude and improve your wellbeing
- Journaling suggestions make it easy to remember your experiences by intelligently grouping your outings, photos, workouts, and more into moments you can add to your journal
- Filters let you quickly find bookmarked entries or show entries with attachments so you can revisit and reflect on key moments in your life
- Scheduled notifications help you keep a consistent journaling practice by reminding you to write on the days and time you choose
- Option to lock your journal using Touch ID or Face ID
iCloud sync keeps your journal entries safe and encrypted on iCloud

Action Button
- Translate option for the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max to quickly translate phrases or have a conversation with someone in another language

Camera
- Spatial video lets you capture video on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max so you can relive your memories in three dimensions on Apple Vision Pro
- Improved Telephoto camera focusing speed when capturing small faraway objects on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

Messages
- Catch-up arrow lets you easily jump to your first unread message in a conversation by tapping the arrow visible in the top-right corner
- Add sticker option in the context menu lets you add a sticker directly to a bubble
- Memoji updates include the ability to adjust the body shape of any Memoji
- Contact Key Verification provides automatic alerts and Contact Verification Codes to help verify people facing extraordinary digital threats are messaging only with the people they intend

Weather
- Precipitation amounts help you stay on top of rain and snow conditions for a given day over the next 10 days
- New widgets let you choose from next-hour precipitation, daily forecast, sunrise and sunset times, and current conditions such as Air Quality, Feels Like, and wind speed
- Wind map snapshot helps you quickly assess wind patterns and access the animated wind map overlay to prepare for forecasted wind conditions for the next 24 hours
- Interactive moon calendar lets you easily visualize the phase of the moon on any day for the next month

This update also includes the following improvements and bug fixes:
- Siri support for privately accessing and logging Health app data using your voice
- AirDrop improvements including expanded contact sharing options and the ability to share boarding passes, movie tickets, and other eligible passes by bringing two iPhones together
- Favorite Songs Playlist in Apple Music lets you quickly get back to the songs you mark as favorites
- Use Listening History in Apple Music can be disabled in a Focus so music you listen to does not appear in Recently Played or influence your recommendations
- A new Digital Clock Widget lets you quickly catch a glimpse of the time on your Home Screen and while in StandBy
- Enhanced AutoFill identifies fields in PDFs and other forms enabling you to populate them with information such as names and addresses from your contacts
- New keyboard layouts provide support for 8 Sámi languages
- Sensitive Content Warning for stickers in Messages prevents you from being unexpectedly shown a sticker containing nudity
- Qi2 charger support for all iPhone 13 models and iPhone 14 models
- Fixes an issue that may prevent wireless charging in certain vehicles

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

Following iOS 17.2, most of the features that Apple first announced for iOS 17 in June are now available.

Apple today released macOS Sonoma 14.2, the second major update to the macOS Sonoma operating system that initially came out in late September. macOS Sonoma 14.2 comes six weeks after the launch of macOS Sonoma 14.1.

The ‌‌macOS Sonoma 14.2‌ update can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs using the Software Update section of System Settings. Apple has also released macOS 13.6.3 and macOS 12.7.2 for those running older versions of macOS.

macOS Sonoma 14.2 introduces an Enhanced AutoFill feature for PDFs, which Apple announced earlier this year. It automatically identifies common fields like name and address, allowing them to be autofilled similar to a website.

In the Messages app, stickers can be added directly to chat bubbles with a tapback reply feature, and the catch-up arrow now jumps to the first unread message in a conversation. There are new Weather and Clock widgets, and a favorite songs playlist in Apple Music. Apple's full release notes for the update are below.

This update introduces enhanced Autofill for PDFs and improvements to Messages and Weather. This release also includes other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.

PDFs
- Enhanced AutoFill identifies fields in PDFs and other forms enabling you to populate them with information such as names and addresses from your contact

Messages
- Catch-up arrow lets you easily jump to your first unread message in a conversation by clicking the arrow visible in the top-right corner
- Add sticker option in the context menu lets you add a sticker directly to a bubble
- Contact Key Verification provides automatic alerts and Contact Verification Codes to help verify people facing extraordinary digital threats are messaging only with the people they intend

Weather
- Precipitation amounts help you stay on top of rain and snow conditions for a given day over the next 10 days
- New widgets let you choose from next-hour precipitation, daily forecast, sunrise and sunset times, and current conditions such as Air Quality, Feels Like, and wind speed
- Wind map snapshot helps you quickly assess wind patterns and access the animated wind map overlay to prepare for forecasted wind conditions for the next 24 hours

Clock
- Multiple timers let you run several timers simultaneously and create a name for each timer
- Timer presets help you quickly start a timer with a range of preset options
- Recents makes it easy to restart your recently used timers

This update also includes the following new features:
- Favorite Songs Playlist in Apple Music lets you quickly get back to the songs you mark as favorites
- Use Listening History in Apple Music can be disabled in a Focus so music you listen to does not appear in Recently Played or influence your recommendations
- Shazam Music Recognition allows you to quickly identify songs playing online or around you, even when wearing AirPods
- New keyboard layouts provide support for 7 additional Sámi languages
- Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices.

For detailed information about the security content of this update, please visit: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

More information on the features available in macOS Sonoma can be found in our roundup.

Apple today released watchOS 10.2, the newest version of the watchOS 10 operating system that was released in September. watchOS 10.2 comes over a month after watchOS 10.1, a major update that brought Double Tap support, NameDrop, and more.

‌watchOS 10‌‌.2 can be downloaded for free through the Apple Watch app on an iPhone running iOS 17 or later by opening it up and going to General > Software Update. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery and it needs to be placed on a charger.

The watchOS 10.2 update adds support for using Siri to access and record data in the Health app on the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Users can ask ‌Siri‌ questions like "How did I sleep last night?" or "How many steps have I taken this week?"

Health data can be added to the Health app through ‌Siri‌ as well with statements like "My weight is 195.3 pounds," or "I've taken my 6:00 p.m. medications." This is functionality that Apple announced with the launch of the newest Apple Watch models, and it is limited to these devices as they are the only Apple Watches that support on-device ‌Siri‌ processing.

watchOS 10.2 also reintroduces an option to swipe to change the Apple Watch face, a feature that was removed in watchOS 10 and has been missed by some. Apple's full release notes for the update are below.

watchOS 10.2 includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including:

• Access and log Health app data with Siri (Available on Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2)
• Automatically view Now Playing when in proximity of HomePod (2nd generation) or HomePod mini playing media from Music or Podcasts (Available on - Apple Watch Series 6 and later and Apple Watch Ultra)
• Enable the ability to swipe to change watch faces in Settings
• Enable the ability to confirm ending workouts in Settings
• Prioritize the volume of either the music or trainers' voices in most Fitness+ workouts
• Resolves an issue that can cause watch faces added in the Watch app on iPhone to not appear on Apple Watch

More information on the features in watchOS 10 can be found in our watchOS 10 roundup.

Apple today released tvOS 17.2, the second major update to the tvOS 17 operating system that came out in September 2023. tvOS 17.2 comes more than a month after tvOS 17.1, an update that expanded the availability of the Enhanced Dialogue feature.

tvOS 17.2 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the ‌Apple TV‌. Go to System > Software Update to get the new software. ‌‌Apple TV‌‌ owners who have automatic software updates activated will be upgraded to tvOS 17.2 automatically.

With tvOS 17.2, Apple is introducing upgrades to the ‌Apple TV‌ app, which is the central content hub on the device. The app features a sidebar with content from Apple services and streaming services that integrate with the Watch Now tvOS feature.

Apple has included dedicated sections for Search, Watch Now, ‌Apple TV‌+, Sports, the store for making purchases, and the library that houses purchased TV shows and movies. There are also sections for streaming services like ABC, CBS, Comedy Central, Hulu, ESPN, Discovery, Peacock, Prime Video, and more.

Clicking into each streaming service provides details on what's available on that service, and there is also an updated "My TV" section that replaces the prior "My Channels" section.

Apple has removed the ability to purchase TV shows and movies from the standalone iTunes TV Shows and iTunes Movies apps, and is directing customers to the ‌Apple TV‌ app to make purchases. The changes to the TV app are intended to streamline content purchasing and viewing.

Alongside iOS 17.2, Apple released HomePod 17.2 software with bug fixes and software improvements.

Today's update comes over a month after the release of the HomePod 17.1 update, which added Enhance Dialogue for the original ‌HomePod‌ and the HomePod mini.

Apple does not specify what's included in the ‌HomePod‌ 17.2 software, and the generic release notes only say that it includes bug fixes and performance improvements.

‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ software is installed automatically on the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌ unless the feature is disabled‌‌‌‌, but the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ can also be manually updated in the Home app by following the instructions in our HomePod‌‌ update how to.

Last-minute Christmas shopping is in full swing as we get closer to the 25th, and shipping deadlines for most products in this article have already passed. All the deals are still live, however, and worth checking out if you're okay with a delivery after the holidays.

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.

Accessories

Accessory sales currently include the AirTag 4 Pack for just $79.98, which is a solid second-best price on the tracking accessory. You'll also find great deals on the MagSafe Charger and MagSafe Duo Charger on Amazon.

AirPods

Amazon has the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C for $199.99 right now, but Christmas delivery is no longer available. This is still a solid low price on the accessory, so if a delivery after the holiday suits you, they're worth grabbing now before the deal expires.

Beats

An all-time low price on the Beats Studio Pro has returned this month. The headphones are now available for $179.95 in multiple colors, down from $349.99.

9th Gen iPad

For iPads, the cheapest and biggest current deal can be found on the 9th generation iPad on Best Buy, with a steep $80 discount.

iPad mini 6

Another iPad discount currently available on Amazon is the iPad mini 6 for $99 off multiple models, starting at $399.99 for 64GB Wi-Fi.

iPad Air

iPad Air deals have been overshadowed by steeper discounts on the 9th and 10th generation iPads, but you can still get $99 off the M1 iPad Air right now on Amazon.

Apple Watch Series 9

Moving to Apple Watch models, Amazon has multiple Apple Watch Series 9 devices on sale. These deals are record low prices, and likely the best deals we'll get before the end of the year.

You'll need to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final sale price at checkout.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

For the Apple Watch Ultra 2, we're tracking an all-time low price on one model right now on Amazon, but it doesn't have a delivery date before Christmas.

Apple Watch SE

Apple Watch SE shipping estimates are the most dire at this point in the season, with Amazon unable to guarantee Christmas day delivery for the 40mm GPS model. However, you can still get low prices on multiple models if you don't need them for Christmas.

M3 MacBook Pro

Amazon has a few M3 MacBook Pro models on sale right now, with the highlight being the M3 512GB model at $1,429.00.

M1 MacBook Air

The M1 13-inch MacBook Air is back at its all-time low price of $749.99 on Amazon, down from $999.00. This model is a few years old but it's a great holiday gift for anyone who needs an Apple notebook for simple Internet browsing.

M2 15-inch MacBook Air

The newer 2023 M2 15-inch MacBook Air is available for $250 off nearly every model right now on Amazon. These are all-time low prices across the board.

Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.

Apple will begin encouraging artists and record labels to adopt Spatial Audio with royalty incentives, Bloomberg reports.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, Bloomberg says that Apple will prioritize streams of songs mixed in Dolby Atmos technology in its streaming calculations starting next year. The change will result in higher royalty payments for artists and labels that adopt and expand the technology in their catalogs. Listeners do not have to listen to the Spatial Audio version of a song for artists to be eligible for the added benefits, with the availability of tracks in Dolby Atmos being sufficient. The new Apple Music policy is yet to be publicly announced.

‌Apple Music‌ introduced Spatial Audio support in 2021, using Dolby Atmos technology to ostensibly replicate an in-person music experience with sound coming from various directions around the listener when using compatible audio hardware. In February 2022, Apple announced that over half of the service's subscribers used the feature. Amazon Music similarly provides Dolby Atmos audio at no additional cost, but Spotify has yet to adopt the format.

Samsung has a new Winter sale that began today, offering discounts across monitors, TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers, and home appliances. Many of the deals in this sale are the same prices we tracked during Samsung's Black Friday sale, and some are even beating their all-time low Black Friday prices.

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

The highlight of the sale is Samsung's ViewFinity S9 5K Smart Monitor at $999.99, down from $1,599.99. This is a new record low price on the monitor, and it beats the previous all-time low price seen at Amazon last week by a few dollars.

Additionally, the Smart Monitor M8 is at its all-time low price on Amazon, available for $399.99 ($300 off). This has been one of the all-around best monitor deals we've tracked during this holiday season, and it's hard to say if it'll return after this sale ends, so if you want it for Christmas be sure to place an order soon.

Samsung is encouraging users to shop through the Shop Samsung mobile app this season, which has some exclusive deals and deep discounts on smartphones, smartwatches, and mobile accessories. Clicking any of the Samsung links in this post while on mobile should give you the option to install the app.

Other than monitors and TVs, we're also now tracking quite a few deals on refrigerators, tablets, and computers below. These sale prices will be live for this week only, so be sure to check out Samsung's event before the best prices of the year disappear.

Monitors

• Smart Monitor M8 - $399.99 at Amazon, down from $699.99
• ViewFinity S9 5K Smart Monitor - $999.99, down from $1,599.99
• 27-inch Odyssey G32A Gaming Monitor - $199.99, down from $279.99
• 34-inch ViewFinity S50GC Monitor - $249.99, down from $379.99
• 49-inch Odyssey G9 QLED Curved Gaming Monitor - $899.99, down from $1,499.99
• 55-inch Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen Curved Gaming Monitor - $1,999.99, down from $2,999.99

TVs

• 85-inch Crystal UHD TV - $1,099.99, down from $1,599.99
• 75-inch The Frame QLED 4K TV - $2,199.99, down from $2,999.99
• 85-inch QLED 4K TV - $1,500.00, down from $2,799.99
• 85-inch Neo QLED 4K TV - $2,599.99, down from $4,799.99
• 55-inch OLED TV - $1,899.99, down from $2,499.99
• 85-inch Neo QLED 8K TV - $3,999.99, down from $7,999.99
• S-Series Wireless Dolby ATMOS Soundbar - $749.99, down from $899.99
• Q-Series Wireless Dolby ATMOS Soundbar - $1,399.99, down from $1,899.99

Refrigerators

• Bespoke Side-by-Side Fridge with Beverage Center - $1,399.00, down from $2,314.00
• Large Capacity 3-Door Fridge with AutoFill Water Pitcher - $1,599.00, down from $2,423.99
• Bespoke 3-Door French Door Fridge with Beverage Center - $1,799.00, down from $3,114.00
• Bespoke 4-Door French Door Fridge - $1,999.00, down from $3,114.00
• Bespoke 4-Door Flex Fridge with Family Hub - $3,099.00, down from $5,114.00

Smartphones

If you're shopping for a Samsung smartphone this week, there are extra cash discounts to be found on these devices when shopping via the Shop Samsung mobile app, beyond the trade-in bonus offers listed below.

• Galaxy S23 Ultra - Get up to $800 instant trade-in credit with an eligible phone trade-in
• Galaxy S23 - Save $175
• Galaxy S23+ - Save $175
• Galaxy Z Fold5 - Get a free storage upgrade and up to $1,000 instant trade-in credit
• Galaxy Z Flip5 - Get up to $600 instant trade-in credit with an eligible phone trade-in

Smartwatches

• Galaxy Watch6 - $239.99, down from $299.99
• Galaxy Watch6 Classic - $329.99, down from $399.99

Earbuds

• Galaxy Buds FE - $79.99, down from $99.99
• Galaxy Buds2 Pro - $169.99, down from $229.99

Tablets

• Galaxy Tab A7 Lite - $104.99, down from $159.99
• Galaxy Tab S9 FE - Get up to $50 off

Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.

With no new iPad models launched this year, Apple ostensibly has some significant changes in store for its tablet lineup and accessories in 2024.

The entry-level ‌iPad‌, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro models are all reportedly due a hardware update in 2024. Here's how the lineup of 2024 could compare to today based on rumors:

2023	2024
‌iPad‌ (10.2-inch, A13 Bionic, 9th generation)
‌iPad‌ (10.9-inch, A14 Bionic, 10th generation)	‌iPad‌ (10.9-inch, A15 Bionic, 11th generation)
‌iPad mini‌ (8.3-inch, A15 Bionic, 6th generation)	‌iPad mini‌ (8.3-inch, A16 Bionic, 7th generation)
‌iPad Air‌ (10.9-inch, M1, 5th generation)	‌iPad Air‌ (10.9-inch, M2, 6th generation)
	‌iPad Air‌ (12.9-inch, ‌M2‌)
‌iPad Pro‌ (11-inch, ‌M2‌, 6th generation)	‌iPad Pro‌ (11.1-inch, M3, 7th generation)
‌iPad Pro‌ (12.9-inch, ‌M2‌, 6th generation)	‌iPad Pro‌ (13-inch, M3, 7th generation)

Apple is also reportedly working on a new Apple Pencil and a redesigned Magic Keyboard accessory for the ‌iPad Pro‌ with an aluminum top case and a larger trackpad. The ‌iPad‌ accessory lineup could look as follows by the end of next year:

2023	2024
Apple Pencil (1st generation)
‌Apple Pencil‌ (2nd generation)	‌Apple Pencil‌ (3rd generation)
‌Apple Pencil‌ (USB-C)	‌Apple Pencil‌ (USB-C)
Magic Keyboard Folio for entry-level ‌iPad‌	Magic Keyboard Folio for entry-level ‌iPad‌
Magic Keyboard for ‌iPad Air‌ and ‌iPad Pro‌	Magic Keyboard for ‌iPad Air‌ and ‌iPad Pro‌
	High-end Magic Keyboard for ‌iPad Pro‌

In his latest "Power On" newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple is seeking to reduce confusion between the ‌iPad Air‌ and ‌iPad Pro‌ next year by introducing OLED displays, an updated design, the M3 chip, and a revamped Magic Keyboard accessory on the high-end models. This "will make it unmistakably the highest-end model," Gurman says.

He also highlighted that the ‌iPad Air‌ and ‌iPad Pro‌ will feature slightly different display sizes, just like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, where the high-end models have larger screens. The ninth-generation ‌iPad‌ will reportedly be discontinued upon the release of the 11th-generation version, allowing the company to ultimately phase out the first-generation ‌Apple Pencil‌.

Apple also plans to use the Magic Keyboard as a differentiator for the ‌iPad Pro‌ in 2024. The redesigned version of the accessory will not be compatible with the ‌iPad Air‌, being exclusive to the ‌iPad Pro‌. The 10.9- and 12.9-inch ‌iPad Air‌ models will only be able to use the current Magic Keyboard accessories.

Gurman said that the new ‌iPad Air‌ and ‌iPad Pro‌ models are due to launch around March 2024, with the updated entry-level ‌iPad‌ and ‌iPad mini‌ set to arrive later in the year.

Heading into 2024, there are several preannounced or rumored iOS 17 and iOS 18 features that are expected to launch throughout the year.

Below, we have listed seven iOS features that should be released for the iPhone in 2024, including collaborative Apple Music playlists, AirPlay on hotel room TVs, app sideloading in the European Union, next-generation CarPlay, roadside assistance via satellite outside of the U.S., RCS support in the Messages app, and generative AI for Siri.

Collaborative Apple Music Playlists

A new Collaborative Playlists option for Apple Music will allow multiple people to add, reorder, and remove songs in a shared playlist.

This feature was initially expected to launch with iOS 17.2 this month, but it was removed from that update towards the end of beta testing for reasons unclear. Apple's website now says the feature will return as part of an iOS 17 update coming in 2024.

AirPlay on Hotel Room TVs

Following the release of iOS 17.2, Apple updated its website to indicate that an AirPlay feature for hotel room TVs has been delayed until next year.

Apple originally said the feature was "coming later this year," but it now says it will be "coming in an update in 2024." Apple did not provide a more specific timeframe, but the feature should be added in an iOS 17 update in the first half of next year.

The feature will allow iPhone users to scan a QR code on their hotel room TV to establish an AirPlay connection, allowing them to wirelessly stream videos, photos, and music from their iPhone to the TV. Google already offers a similar feature on some hotel TVs, allowing guests to stream content from their smartphone via Chromecast.

Apple in June said Holiday Inn owner IHG Hotels & Resorts would be one of the first hotel companies to adopt the feature.

App Sideloading in EU

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman last year reported that Apple was preparing to allow app sideloading on the iPhone in order to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act. This would allow users to install apps outside of Apple's App Store, but the change is only expected to be made in European Union countries, at least initially.

Gurman recently said that he expects app sideloading in the EU to roll out in an iOS 17 update released in the first half of 2024.

Next-Generation CarPlay

At WWDC in June 2022, Apple previewed the next generation of CarPlay, promising deeper integration with vehicle functions like A/C and FM radio, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, increased personalization, and more.

Apple's website still says the first vehicles with support for the next-generation CarPlay experience will be announced in "late 2023," but with only a few weeks remaining in the year, it's unclear if that timeframe will still be met. Regardless, the next-generation CarPlay experience would likely not be available to customers until 2024.

Roadside Assistance via Satellite Outside U.S.

Starting with iOS 17, all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models offer a roadside assistance via satellite feature that allows users in the U.S. to contact roadside assistance company AAA for vehicle service when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

Apple said the feature is available "beginning" in the U.S., so it will likely expand to some additional countries starting in 2024.

RCS Support

In November, Apple announced that it will support the cross-platform messaging standard RCS in the Messages app on the iPhone starting "later next year," so it will likely be an iOS 18 feature based on that timeframe.

RCS support should result in the following improvements to the default messaging experience between iPhones and Android devices:

• Higher-resolution photos and videos
• Audio messages
• Typing indicators
• Read receipts
• Wi-Fi messaging between iPhones and Android devices
• Improved group chats, including the ability for iPhone users to leave a conversation that includes Android users
• Improved encryption compared to SMS

These modern features are already available for iPhone-to-iPhone conversations with blue bubbles, via iMessage, and many of the features are also available in third-party messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Telegram. RCS support on the iPhone will extend the features to green bubbles in the Messages app.

Smarter Siri

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects iOS 18 to feature generative AI technology that "should improve how both Siri and the Messages app can field questions and auto-complete sentences." He said Apple has also explored generative AI features for other apps across its platforms, including Apple Music, Pages, Keynote, and Xcode.

The Information reported that Apple plans to incorporate large language models into Siri to let users automate complex tasks, a feature that would involve deeper integration with the Shortcuts app. The report said this feature is expected to be released in an iPhone software update coming next year, which would likely be iOS 18.

Generative AI surged in popularity last year when OpenAI released ChatGPT, a chatbot that can respond to questions and other prompts. Google and Microsoft released similar chatbots earlier this year, as more companies race into the space. The chatbots are trained on large language models, allowing them to respond like a human.

Sonos is back with a sale that's matching the all-time low prices we saw over Black Friday for many of its audio products. In total, you can get up to 25 percent off select devices, and Sonos is still guaranteeing delivery in time for Christmas if ordered by 11 a.m. on December 19.

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

All the prices in this sale are matching the ones we tracked during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, meaning they're the best prices we've ever seen for these devices. Additionally, the new holiday sale is expanded with bundle options for anyone looking to purchase a full home theater speaker system this season.

In terms of Christmas delivery, Sonos says that you'll need to order by December 19 for ground delivery options and by December 22 for overnight shipping options. There's a good mix of products on sale, including the popular Arc soundbar for $719 ($180 off), cheaper Ray soundbar for $223 ($56 off), Roam Bluetooth speaker for $134 ($45 off), and more.

• Arc Soundbar - $719, down from $899
• Beam Soundbar - $399, down from $499
• Ray Soundbar - $223, down from $279
• Sub - $639, down from $799
• Sub Mini - $343, down from $429
• Roam Speaker - $134, down from $179
• Roam SL Speaker - $119, down from $159
• Era 100 Speaker - $199, down from $249
• Essential Turntable Set - $667, down from $717

Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we've been tracking over the past week.

Vision Pro customers will likely be pushed to pick up the device at an Apple Store, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports.

In October, Gurman reported that Apple was in the process of inviting retail store employees from each ‌Apple Store‌ in the United States to Cupertino, California to receive training on using and selling the Vision Pro headset. Apple apparently sent a memo to retail employees asking them to apply for the "secretive" event, with acceptance dependent on an application and interview process. An extract from the memo read:

Selected team members will travel and participate in an event in Cupertino, California, at some point in the first months of 2024. Upon returning to their home store, they'll deliver training and ongoing support to store team members. This is a group opportunity for those who have a deep passion for demonstrating Apple products and teaching others.

In the latest "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that these seminars are now being scheduled with staff training set to start in mid-January. Each ‌Apple Store‌ employee in attendance will receive two days of training, featuring instructions on the Vision Pro's setup process, approaching a customer, and placing the device on a user's head. Gurman previously said that flagship retail stores are set to gain dedicated Vision Pro hands-on areas, while other stores will only receive one or two units.

Gurman noted that "while customers will be able to reserve a Vision Pro online, it increasingly sounds like they'll be pushed to pick up the device at a store" with an appointment. Apple is planning to assemble customers' Vision Pro headsets in-store, compiling the appropriate headband, light seal, and optional prescription lenses. Retail stores are purportedly due to receive new equipment to assemble and package the headset in the near future.

Gurman still believes that the device will likely be released before March. Apple simply says that the Vision Pro headset will launch in "early" 2024.

Apple supplier Samsung Display has reorganized its Apple business team to achieve operational efficiency in the development of foldable panels, claims a new report out of Korea.

According to The Elec, Samsung wants to strengthen its capabilities in anticipation of Apple's first foldable products by integrating the expertise it has gained making Samsung foldable devices since 2019.

Samsung Display and LG Display are said to be already working on projects for Apple's foldable products, including panels with 20.25-inch dimensions, according to the report. It's not clear if the panel size relates to a specific product or a panel production process.

Apple has been known to be working on foldable display technology for some years now, filing multiple patents regarding the technology. Rumors in September 2020 indicated that Samsung was providing foldable display samples to Apple for a future foldable ‌iPhone‌, but there had been no strong indication that Apple was planning to use Samsung's technology until now.

In 2021, Bloomberg claimed that Apple had started "early work" on an ‌iPhone‌ with a foldable display, but that it had not committed to releasing a foldable device at that time. Development in 2021 had not expanded beyond a display, and Apple did not have full foldable ‌iPhone‌ prototypes.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo initially said that Apple would introduce a foldable ‌iPhone‌ in 2024, but in 2022, he revised his prediction and said that Apple is unlikely to unveil a foldable iPhone until 2025 or later. Display analyst Ross Young has also suggested 2025 is the earliest that we might see a foldable ‌iPhone‌.

2023 is set to become the first calendar year with no new iPads released in the device's history, but updates to the entire iPad lineup are expected next year. Notably, it has been rumored that the next iPad Air will be released in two sizes.

Apple's supply chain started shipments of display panels for a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air this month, according to a post on X today from Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants. Young has a good track record for display-related Apple rumors, so the information he shared today is likely accurate.

Multiple other sources have claimed that Apple is planning to release a 12.9-inch iPad Air, including Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes, Apple analyst Ming-Chu Kuo, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Earlier this week, Gurman said that he expects the 12.9-inch iPad Air to be released around March 2024.

Beyond its larger display size, no major design changes have been rumored yet for the 12.9-inch iPad Air. The current iPad Air is equipped with a 10.9-inch display, and that model is also expected to be updated around March next year.

The next iPad Pro models are widely expected to be equipped with OLED displays, and they will likely be more expensive than the current iPad Pro models as a result. By sticking with a more cost-friendly LCD panel, the 12.9-inch iPad Air should be priced between the 10.9-inch iPad Air and the next 11-inch iPad Pro.

Apple today confirmed that it took steps to shut down the functionality of Beeper Mini, an app that enabled Android users to send and receive iMessages.

Apple emphasized its commitment to user privacy and security, explaining that the move was necessitated by the potential risks Beeper Mini's techniques posed, including metadata exposure and susceptibility to spam and phishing attacks. Apple's full statement shared with The Verge and other news sites is as follows:

At Apple, we build our products and services with industry-leading privacy and security technologies designed to give users control of their data and keep personal information safe. We took steps to protect our users by blocking techniques that exploit fake credentials in order to gain access to iMessage. These techniques posed significant risks to user security and privacy, including the potential for metadata exposure and enabling unwanted messages, spam, and phishing attacks. We will continue to make updates in the future to protect our users.

Beeper Mini operated by intercepting the iMessage protocol using Apple's own push notification service, convincing Apple's servers it was an authentic Apple device. This method, according to Apple, involved the use of "fake credentials," which posed significant security and privacy risks to users. Beeper claims that its process worked with no compromises to encryption or privacy, and the company's documentation says that nobody can read the content of sent messages other than the sender and its recipient, but Apple was unable to verify this and says it posed risks to users.

Following Apple's statement, Beeper CEO Eric Migicovsky expressed his willingness to cooperate with Apple for a security review of Beeper's code to The Verge. He emphasized the importance of secure communication channels between iPhone and Android users, challenging Apple's decision by highlighting the inadequacies of unencrypted SMS for cross-platform messaging. Despite Apple's firm stance, Migicovsky remains committed to exploring solutions that could enable the return of Beeper Mini or similar services.

Apple began accepting orders for the Pro Display XDR on December 10, 2019, making the high-end monitor four years old as of today. The monitor has not been updated since, but there have been rumors about a new model being in the works.

Below, we recap all of the rumors about a potential next-generation Pro Display XDR so far.

New Pro Display XDR

In December 2022, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple was working on multiple new monitors, including an updated Pro Display XDR equipped with an Apple silicon chip. Apple's lower-priced Studio Display has an A13 Bionic chip that enables features like Center Stage, spatial audio, and "Siri"/"Hey Siri" voice commands.

In July 2023, Gurman reiterated that Apple was still working on multiple next-generation monitors for release in 2024 at the very earliest. He said at least one of these monitors could double as a smart home display in a low-power state.

While no other features have been rumored yet for the next Pro Display XDR, some additions that customers are hoping for include a webcam, speakers, and a higher refresh rate. The current model features a 32-inch screen with LED backlighting, a 6K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, one Thunderbolt 3 port, and three USB-C ports.

The current Pro Display XDR starts at $4,999 in the U.S., but the Pro Stand costs $999 extra.

Larger iMac

While it would be a different product, the rumored 32-inch iMac would have some similarities to the Pro Display XDR, including the same display size.

In October 2023, both Gurman and Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple was developing a 32-inch iMac for release in late 2024 or in 2025. Kuo said the larger iMac's screen would feature mini-LED backlighting.

The following month, Apple confirmed that it has no plans to release a 27-inch iMac with an Apple silicon chip. Apple discontinued the Intel-based 27-inch iMac in March 2022. For customers who want a large-screened desktop setup, Apple has recommended pairing the 27-inch Studio Display with a Mac Studio or Mac mini. Apple did not explicitly rule out the possibility of a 32-inch iMac being released in the future.

In the meantime, the 24-inch iMac was recently updated with the M3 chip.

Apple's final set of major operating system updates for 2023 appears to be right around the corner, with iOS 17.2 and related updates likely coming next week to deliver a number of new features and improvements.

This week also saw rumors about forthcoming updates for the iPad lineup and the MacBook Air, as well as the iPhone 16, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!

iOS 17.2 Will Add These 12 New Features to Your iPhone

Following over a month of beta testing, Apple is expected to release iOS 17.2 to the public next week. The software update includes many new features and changes for the iPhone, including a Journal app, spatial video recording on iPhone 15 Pro models, improvements to the Messages and Weather apps, a Favorite Songs playlist in Apple Music, and more.

We've shared a list of 12 new features and changes in iOS 17.2 for those interested in learning more, but there's plenty of additional tweaks and improvements coming in the update as well.

Apple to Launch Two iPad Air and Two OLED iPad Pro Models Early Next Year

2023 is set to become the first calendar year with no new iPads released in the device's history. As a result of this hiatus, the entire iPad lineup is expected to be updated throughout 2024.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple plans to release two new iPad Air models and update the iPad Pro line with OLED displays in March 2024. The iPad mini and entry-level iPad are expected to be updated later in the year.

New M3 MacBook Air Models Expected Around March 2024

In addition to new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman expects updated 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models with the M3 chip to launch around March 2024.

Apple already released 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chip options last month. These are Apple's first chips to be manufactured with TSMC's 3nm process for faster performance.

Kuo: iPhone 16 Models to Feature Upgraded Microphone for Improved Siri AI Experience

iPhone 16 models will feature a significantly upgraded microphone with a better signal-to-noise ratio and improved water resistance, according to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Kuo said the upgraded microphone could indicate that Apple plans to add more generative AI capabilities to Siri as a key selling point of the iPhone 16 models, which are expected to launch in September 2024.

'All-Screen' iPhone Under-Display Camera Enters Development

Apple supplier LG Innotek has started development of an under-display camera that could pave the way for an all-screen iPhone in the future, according to a report this week from South Korea's The Elec.

An all-screen iPhone would also require the TrueDepth sensors for Face ID to be moved under the display, and rumors suggest that Apple might achieve this goal starting with the iPhone 17 Pro in 2025.

iOS 17.2 Adds NameDrop-Like Feature for Sharing Boarding Passes, Movie Tickets, and More

Starting with iOS 17.2, there is a new NameDrop-like feature that allows an iPhone user to quickly share boarding passes, movie tickets, and other Wallet app passes with another iPhone user.

iOS 17.2 is currently in beta, and it is expected to be released to the public next week. The update also adds a Journal app, spatial video recording on iPhone 15 Pro models, several improvements to the Messages and Weather apps, a Favorite Songs playlist in Apple Music, and more.

MacRumors Newsletter

Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view.

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We're just about two weeks away from the Christmas holiday, and numerous Apple products are still available for all-time low prices this weekend, with guaranteed delivery before the 25th in many cases. This week, the best deals were focused on M3 MacBook Pros, Apple Watches, the 10th gen iPad, and a few Anker accessory sales.

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.

MacBook Pro

• What's the deal? Take up to $250 off M3 MacBook Pro
• Where can I get it? Best Buy
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Best Buy has record low prices on the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro this weekend, with prices starting at just $1,399.00 for the M3 512GB model and increasing to $1,549.00 for the M3 1TB model. These measure up to $250 off original prices on the 14-inch MacBook Pro, and they're exclusive to My Best Buy Plus/Total members, although non-members can get solid second-best prices on these notebooks.

Apple Watch

• What's the deal? Take up to $100 off Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 9, and SE
• Where can I get it? Amazon
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Amazon introduced a collection of big discounts on Apple Watch this week, including Ultra 2, Series 9, and SE. These can net you up to $100 off select models, with the biggest discount for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at $699.00, an all-time low price.

iPad

• What's the deal? Take $100 off 10th gen iPad
• Where can I get it? Amazon
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Black Friday prices returned for the 10th generation iPad this week, priced at $349.00 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model, down from $449.00. It's available in multiple colors on Amazon, and it can be delivered for Christmas if ordered soon.

Anker

• What's the deal? Take up to 50% off Anker's popular charging accessories
• Where can I get it? Anker
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Anker is continuing its string of seasonal events with a new countdown to Christmas sale that has up to 50 percent off popular charging accessories. In addition to the deals on Anker.com, we're also tracking a few discounts for Anker accessories on Amazon. These include wall chargers, cables, and the new Nano Power Bank with Built-In USB-C Connector for iPhone 15 devices at $20.99, down from $29.99.

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.