Instagram parent company Meta today said that it is testing a new tool that's designed to allow users to reset their content recommendations for "a fresh start." Using the reset tool removes prior data that's used to power Explore, Reels, and Feed recommendations.
Recommendations will start to personalize over time, providing content recommendations based on the content and accounts that users interact with. Using the reset option will provide users with an option to review the accounts they're following to unfollow content they no longer want to see, and review ad topics.
The tool is designed for teen users, but Instagram is planning to make it available to all users following the test period. The feature will roll out globally "soon."
Google today revamped its Switch to Android app for the iPhone and iPad, introducing a streamlined interface, a new icon, and changing the name to Android Switch as part of a rebranding effort to lure new iPhone users.
The app is designed to make it easy for iPhone users to swap over to an Android-based device like a Google Pixel. It can transfer contacts, calendar events, photos, and videos, and it includes reminders to turn off iMessage to swap to RCS/SMS.
Google has also changed some of the wording on its Switch to Android website to reflect the new app name. The Switch to Android site walks through some of the common concerns that iPhone users might have about switching platforms, such as texting, sharing files, making video calls, and transitioning accessories.
With RCS, Google says Android users can text iPhone users with no issues, and the company recommends Google Meet as an alternative to FaceTime. There's no Android to iPhone replacement for AirDrop, but Google says that Quick Share can be used to share files with Android, ChromeOS, and Windows PC devices.
Aside from design updates and a new look for the app, the basic functionality of the Android Switch app appears to be the same as before.
Apple's free butterfly keyboard service program for select MacBooks models ended late last week, nearly six and a half years after it launched.
With the program now over, it is no longer guaranteed that customers with affected MacBook keyboards will be able to receive a free repair from Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. However, exceptions could be made.
Below, we take a look back at Apple's butterfly keyboard problems that led to the program.
The Butterfly Keyboard
For much of the 2000s, MacBook keyboards had a traditional scissor switch mechanism. That changed in March 2015, when Apple released an ultra-thin 12-inch MacBook with a low-profile keyboard that used a new butterfly switch mechanism. While the keyboard fit in the 12-inch MacBook's thin enclosure, it is prone to issues, such as letters repeating unexpectedly or failing to appear when keys are pressed.
It was not until Apple updated the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models with its second-generation butterfly keyboard in October 2016 that customers began to complain about sticky and unresponsive keys in earnest. Apple expanded the butterfly keyboard to the MacBook Air a few years later, leading to even more complaints.
The situation came to a head in May 2018, when Apple was hit with a class action lawsuit in the U.S. alleging that the company knew the butterfly keyboard was defective. An online petition about the issues that year gained nearly 43,000 signatures.
The Program
In June 2018, Apple launched a "Keyboard Service Program" worldwide after it determined that a "small percentage" of keyboards in certain MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:
Letters or characters repeat unexpectedly
Letters or characters do not appear
Key(s) feel "sticky" or do not respond in a consistent manner
Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers had been repairing eligible MacBook keyboards, free of charge, for up to four years after the first retail sale of the affected laptop. That window is now closed, as all eligible models were discontinued more than four years ago.
The butterfly switch mechanism for a 2018 MacBook Pro keyboard (iFixit)
The list of all models that were eligible:
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
"We are aware that a small number of users are having issues with their third-generation butterfly keyboard and for that we are sorry," an Apple spokesperson said, in a statement shared with The Wall Street Journal's Joanna Stern. "The vast majority of Mac notebook customers are having a positive experience with the new keyboard."
The Fix
Starting with the 16-inch MacBook Pro in November 2019, Apple ditched the butterfly keyboard and returned to using a scissor switch mechanism. The change was extended to the MacBook Air in March 2020, and to the 13-inch MacBook Pro in May 2020, marking the end of the problematic butterfly keyboard era for the Mac. All models of MacBooks with Apple silicon chips have continued to use scissor switch keyboards.
The Settlement
In July 2022, Apple agreed to pay $50 million to settle the U.S. class action lawsuit related to the butterfly keyboard issues. Affected customers who submitted a valid claim by the March 2023 deadline received a payment of between $50 and $395.
Barclays analyst Tom O'Malley and his colleagues recently traveled to Asia to meet with various electronics manufacturers and suppliers. In a research note this week, outlining key takeaways from the trip, the analysts said they have "confirmed" that a fourth-generation iPhone SE with an Apple-designed 5G modem is slated to launch towards the end of the first quarter next year. In line with previous rumors, that timeframe suggests the new iPhone SE will be announced in March, just like the current model was in 2022.
The fourth-generation iPhone SE is expected to have a similar design as the base iPhone 14, with rumored features including a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a newer A-series chip, a USB-C port, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, 8GB of RAM to enable Apple Intelligence support, and the previously-mentioned Apple-designed 5G modem.
Apple is rumored to have been working on its own 5G modem for iPhones since 2018, a move that will allow it to reduce and eventually eliminate its dependance on Qualcomm. Earlier this year, Apple extended its 5G modem supply agreement with Qualcomm for iPhone launches through 2026, so Apple still has plenty of time to complete the transition to its in-house modem. Along with the fourth-generation iPhone SE, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said the so-called "iPhone 17 Air" will have an Apple-designed 5G modem.
It is unclear if Apple's first 5G modem would unlock any consumer benefits compared to Qualcomm's modems, such as faster speeds.
In 2017, Apple sued Qualcomm over anticompetitive practices and $1 billion in unpaid royalty rebates. The two companies settled the lawsuit in 2019, and Apple acquired the majority of Intel's smartphone modem business that same year. That purchase provided Apple with a portfolio of cellular-related patents to bolster its development. In another four months from now, it seems like we will finally see the fruit of this labor.
Apple announced the third-generation iPhone SE during an online event on March 8, 2022. The device looks similar to the iPhone 8, with outdated features such as a Touch ID button, Lightning port, and thick bezels around the display. In the U.S., the iPhone SE currently starts at $429, but the new model might see at least a slight price increase.
With the JavaScriptCore vulnerability, processing maliciously crafted web content could lead to arbitrary code execution. The WebKit vulnerability had the same issue with maliciously crafted web content, and it could lead to a cross site scripting attack.
Apple says that it is aware of reports that these two issues may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems. While the vulnerabilities are only known to have impacted older Macs, other devices are vulnerable to attack because they have the same security flaws.
For that reason, it is a good idea to update your devices to the latest software as soon as possible.
Apple today updated the Apple Developer app that is available to the developer community, introducing a few new features that improve the app usage and navigation experience.
For viewing videos in a topic or event, users can now choose between grid or list views for easier sorting. There are now custom dark and tinted appearances for the Apple Developer app on iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, and the detail view for videos provides an indicator when a video has been fully watched, so it's simpler to keep track of previously-viewed content.
Apple says the app also includes bug fixes and "various other enhancements" that are minor enough not to make it into the app update release notes.
Apple has partnered with select merchants to offer Apple Card users three percent Daily Cash back on their purchases, and two new companies were added to the partner list today. When purchasing goods and services from Booking.com and ChargePoint, Apple Card users will now get more cash back.
Booking.com is a site for reserving flights, cars, cruises, and hotels, while ChargePoint sells charging equipment for electric vehicles and also offers more than 280,000 charging stations across multiple countries.
Apple Card users can get three percent Daily Cash back from Booking.com on eligible prepaid stays and car rentals when purchasing using Apple Card with Apple Pay, though Apple says that its special Apple Card link needs to be used when booking. Eligible stays include those that are paid for using the "Pay Now" rate.
As for ChargePoint, Apple Card users will get three percent Daily Cash when using Apple Card with Apple Pay to pay for electric vehicle charging at ChargePoint charging stations, as well as home charging purchases through the ChargePoint website.
Apple has several other partners that provide extra Daily Cash as well, including Duane Reade, Mobil, T-Mobile, Uber Eats, Ace Hardware, Nike, Uber, and Walgreens.
Panera Bread has also been one of Apple's partners to offer three percent Daily Cash, but starting on February 1, 2025, Panera Bread Daily Cash back will be limited to two percent.
We're tracking a few solid Apple accessory discounts in the lead-up to Black Friday this week, including deals on the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard for M4 iPad Pro.
Apple Pencil
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In regards to the Apple Pencil Pro, you can get this stylus for $99.00, down from $129.00. Amazon also has the USB-C Apple Pencil available for $69.00, down from $79.00.
Moving to the new 2024 Magic Keyboards, you can get the 11-inch model in Black for $249.99, down from $299.00. This is an all-time low price on the accessory and it's only available in Black.
Amazon also has the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro Magic Keyboard on sale, available for $274.99 in White, down from $349.00. This is another record low price on the Magic Keyboard, and you'll find similar delivery estimates of mid-to-late November for this model.
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Apple today released macOS Sequoia 15.1.1, a minor update for the macOS Sequoia operating system. The 15.1.1 update comes three weeks after Apple released the macOS Sequoia 15.1 update.
Mac users can download the macOS Sequoia update by using the Software Update section of System Settings.
According to Apple's release notes, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1 includes security fixes.
Details on the features that are included in macOS Sequoia can be found in our roundup.
Apple today released visionOS 2.1.1, a minor update to the visionOS 2 operating system that came out in September. visionOS 2.1.1 comes three weeks after the launch of visionOS 2.1.
visionOS 2.1.1 can be downloaded on all Vision Pro headsets by navigating to the Settings app, selecting the General section, and choosing the Software Update option. To install an update, the Vision Pro headset needs to be removed, and there is a software progress bar available on the front EyeSight display.
Today's update focuses on security fixes rather than new features, and it is recommended for all Vision Pro users.
visionOS 2 introduces 2D spatial photos, updates to Persona, a new version of the Guest Mode, and more, with additional information available in our visionOS 2 roundup.
Apple today released iOS 18.1.1 and iPadOS 18.1.1, minor updates to the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 operating systems that debuted earlier in September. iOS 18.1.1 and iPadOS 18.1.1 come three weeks after the launch of iOS 18.1.
The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple has also released iOS 17.7.2 for devices that are still running iOS 17.
According to Apple's release notes, the iOS 18.1.1 update provides important security fixes. It is recommended for all users.
Over the past week and a bit, Apple has shared a new iPhone 16 Pro ad called "All Systems Pro" on its YouTube channels in select countries, such as Japan, India, South Korea, and Singapore. Apple has yet to share the ad on its U.S. channel.
In the ad, a mission control center goes through a series of final checks before launching an iPhone 16 Pro into space like a rocket. During a 30-second countdown, the team ensures that all aspects of the A18 Pro chip are ready to go, such as the Neural Engine, 6-core GPU, and support for recording slow-mo 4K video at 120 fps.
"A18 Pro has a faster Neural Engine, improved CPU and GPU, and a big jump in memory bandwidth," the video description says. "It also drives advanced video and photo features like Camera Control, and delivers great graphics performance for next-level gaming."
When it announced the iPhone 16 Pro models in September, Apple said the A18 Pro chip is up to 15% faster than the A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro models. The chip is manufactured with TSMC's second-generation 3nm process.
It is unclear if Young confirmed this information with his sources, or if it is merely a prediction, but he is a display industry expert and his track record with display-related rumors for future Apple products is quite good. For example, he was the first source to reveal that iPhone 16 Pro models would feature larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays.
In a social media post last week, Young said the latest quantum-dot display films have equal to better color gamut support, and offer improved motion performance, compared to the KSF phosphor film that he said Apple uses for the existing Pro Display XDR and previous MacBook Pro models. This means the Pro Display XDR 2 could have improved color accuracy and faster response times compared to the current model.
Apple released the Pro Display XDR in 2019, alongside an updated Mac Pro, and the external monitor has not received any hardware upgrades since then. The high-end 32-inch monitor features an LCD panel with LED backlighting, 6K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, up to 1,600 nits of brightness, one Thunderbolt 3 port, and three USB-C ports. In the U.S., the monitor starts at $4,999, but the optional Pro Stand costs $999 extra.
In 2022, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple was working on an updated version of the Pro Display XDR with an Apple silicon chip, something the current model lacks. In the Studio Display, an A13 Bionic chip powers features such as Center Stage camera framing, spatial audio, and Siri voice commands. Additional features that customers are hoping for include a built-in camera, speakers, and a higher refresh rate.
At this point, it is unclear when Apple might release a Pro Display XDR 2.
Apple has started directly selling ads shown in the Apple News app, according to Axios.
The report said that Apple News publishers will receive a 70% cut of the revenue from ads sold by Apple within their articles, and added that publishers will continue to receive 100% of the revenue from in-article ads that they sell themselves.
Apple has been gradually expanding its advertising efforts over the past few years. For example, it started selling ads within the main "Today" tab in the App Store in 2022, allowing developers to promote their apps to a wider audience.
Apple selling ads directly within the Apple News app could further boost its services revenue.
More details about the placement of ads in the Apple News app can be found in the Axios report.
Black Friday is just over a week away, and in the lead-up to the shopping holiday we've seen great deals arrive for Apple's AirTag Bluetooth tracker. In this article we're sharing all the best deals you can currently get on the AirTag.
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.
Of course, there is a chance that we could see better deals on the AirTag arrive as Black Friday gets closer. This is a risk anyone has to take while shopping during the holidays, so with that in mind, many of the deals shared below are currently the best prices you will find online. More information on these sales can be found in our Black Friday Roundup.
Best AirTag Deals
Amazon today has Apple's AirTag 4-Pack for $72.99, down from $99.00. This is just about $3 higher when compared to the all-time low price we saw last week, so it's still a great deal on the Bluetooth trackers.
If you're shopping for a single AirTag, Amazon has the AirTag 1-Pack for just $19.99, down from $29.00. This one is a match of the all-time low price on the AirTag 1-Pack.
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
It's been two months since Apple released the Apple Watch Series 10, and MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera has been using the Series 10 alongside an Apple Watch Ultra 2 to provide a longer term review and comparison.
The larger version of the Series 10 has the biggest display of any Apple Watch, including the Ultra 2, but it's only a little bit bigger than the Ultra 2 so you're not missing out on much if you have Apple's more rugged watch. The Series 10 is lighter and thinner, though, so it can be more comfortable.
In addition to having the largest display, the Series 10 has better visibility at an angle, so you can better see the time regardless of what you're doing. There's a 1Hz minimum refresh rate too so you get an always-on second hand with some watch faces.
Apple added sleep apnea detection to the Series 10, but the Apple Watch Ultra got it too, so there's no real distinguishing health feature to set it apart. It basically has all the same features as the Ultra 2, including the Dive app and a Tides app, but it can't be used for deep water diving because it doesn't have the same depth resistance. Also unique to the Ultra 2 is the siren sound.
Given the near feature parity, if you have an Ultra 2, there's probably no reason to get the Series 10 at this point, unless you want a watch that's slimmer and lighter. If you're trying to decide between the Ultra 2 and the Series 10, it's between weight and battery life. The Series 10 is lighter and more comfortable, but the Ultra 2 has much longer battery life.
What are your Apple Watch Series 10 thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
In a support document published this week, Apple said it will be dropping support for Safari bookmark syncing on iPhones and iPads running iOS 10 or earlier, and on Macs running macOS Sierra 10.12.5 or earlier, starting December 18. Apple said it made this decision in accordance with its minimum software requirements for iCloud.
Apple said Safari bookmarks on devices running those older iOS and macOS versions will no longer be synced to other devices or uploaded to iCloud.com:
You won't lose any bookmarks already on your devices and you'll still be able to create new bookmarks on those devices. However, new bookmarks won't sync across devices with iOS 10 or earlier and macOS Sierra 10.12.5 or earlier. They also won't be recoverable on iCloud.com.
Apple said users will need to update their devices to iOS 11 or macOS Sierra 10.12.6 or newer to continue syncing their Safari bookmarks with the newer iCloud Bookmarks system, with steps for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and PC users outlined in Apple's support document. If you cannot or do not want to update your device, you can copy or export your bookmarks, with the support document outlining steps for that option as well.
If your devices are already running iOS 11 or later or macOS Sierra 10.12.6 or later, no action is required, according to Apple.
As we previously reported, Apple also announced that iCloud device backups for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch will require iOS 9 or later starting December 18. As outlined in another support document, users will need to update their devices to iOS 9 or later or manually back up the device to a Mac or PC. After the deadline, Apple said any data backed up to iCloud from devices that have not been updated to iOS 9 will be deleted.
Apple today shared the most popular podcasts of 2024, with year-end charts available in the Browse tab of the Podcasts app through the end of the year.
The 2024 charts include the top podcasts overall, the top new podcasts that debuted this year, the most followed podcasts, the most shared podcasts and episodes, and more. The most popular podcasts of 2024 in the U.S., according to Apple Podcasts:
Top Shows
1. The Daily 2. Crime Junkie 3. The Joe Rogan Experience 4. Dateline NBC 5. SmartLess 6. Huberman Lab 7. This American Life 8. New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce 9. Up First from NPR 10. Morbid
Top New Shows
1. The Tucker Carlson Show 2. Three 3. Mortal Sin 4. Drowning Creek 5. The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke 6. Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings 7. Noble 8. Murder in the Hollywood Hills 9. Hysterical 10. Who Killed JFK?
Top Series
1. Serial 2. Up and Vanished 3. Three 4. The Bakersfield Three 5. CounterClock 6. Something Was Wrong 7. Dr. Death 8. The Binge Cases 9. Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra 10. The Binge Crimes
Top Episodes
1. Crime Junkie: “SERIAL KILLER: The Alphabet Murders Part 1” 2. The Joe Rogan Experience: “#2219 - Donald Trump” 3. The Daily: “Harris Baits Trump: Inside Their Fiery Debate” 4. Dateline NBC: “Dangerous Secret” 5. The Bakersfield Three: “Episode 1: Fight Like a Mother” 6. SmartLess: “Vince Vaughn” 7. Three: “Skylar Is Missing | Chapter 1” 8. Serial: “Serial S04 - Ep. 1: Poor Baby Raul” 9. Mortal Sin: “1 – Ashes to Ashes” 10. New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce: “Travis Wins on the Road, Jason Celebrates Shirtless and Full Divisional Round Recap | Ep 75”
Most Shared Shows
1. Huberman Lab 2. Scamanda 3. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus 4. The Daily 5. The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) 6. The Bible Recap 7. The Mel Robbins Podcast 8. Sold a Story 9. Who Killed JFK? 10. Crime Junkie
Most Shared Episodes
1. The Tucker Carlson Show: “Calley & Casey Means: The Truth About Ozempic, the Pill, and How Big Pharma Keeps You Sick” 2. The Mel Robbins Podcast: “The #1 Menopause Doctor: How to Lose Belly Fat, Sleep Better, & Stop Suffering Now” 3. The Daily: “The Year of Taylor Swift” 4. Huberman Lab: “Dr. Stacy Sims: Female-Specific Exercise & Nutrition for Health, Performance & Longevity” 5. The Joe Rogan Experience: “#2219 - Donald Trump” 6. The Ezra Klein Show: “Is Tim Walz the Midwestern Dad Democrats Need?” 7. Honestly with Bari Weiss: “Why the Kids Aren’t Alright” 8. We Can Do Hard Things: “263. Healing from Emotionally Immature Parents with Lindsay C. Gibson” 9. Call Her Daddy: “Vice President Kamala Harris” 10. Good Inside with Dr. Becky: “The Anxious Generation with Jonathan Haidt”
Most Followed Shows
1. The Joe Rogan Experience 2. New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce 3. Huberman Lab 4. Call Her Daddy 5. The Tucker Carlson Show 6. The Mel Robbins Podcast 7. SmartLess 8. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus 9. Crime Junkie 10. The Daily
Top Subscriber Shows
1. Apple News+ Narrated 2. Morbid 3. Dateline NBC 4. The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke 5. Dr. Death 6. SmartLess 7. Something Was Wrong 8. Scamtown 9. American Scandal 10. Mortal Sin
Top Channels
1. Wondery 2. iHeartPodcasts 3. The New York Times 4. audiochuck 5. SiriusXM Podcasts 6. Dateline NBC 7. Dear Media 8. iHeart True Crime 9. Scicomm Media 10. Cumulus Podcast Network
These charts in the Podcasts app are localized for listeners in nearly 100 countries and regions. Listeners can also explore "Shows We Love," a curated collection of standout narrative and episodic series that Apple says resonated this year. Apple added that it will reveal its Show of the Year on Tuesday, December 3.
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
The butterfly switch mechanism for a 2018 MacBook Pro keyboard (iFixit)
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.
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.
