MacRumors

With iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, and tvOS 17.2, Apple removed the option to purchase TV shows and movies from the iTunes Store apps, redirecting customers to the Apple TV app instead. Unfortunately, Apple's move to consolidate purchasing and viewing in the ‌Apple TV‌ app has done away with wishlists, and customers who used the feature got no warning about their elimination.

On Reddit, Twitter, the MacRumors forums, and the Apple Support Community, customers are complaining about the change. From the MacRumors forums:

Removing the wish list is a really bad move by Apple. I had a bunch of movies I was working my way through. That list is just gone now. I won't be renting or buying anything from Apple TV any more. Bad move Apple.

In the iTunes Store app on the iPhone and iPad, and the separate iTunes TV Shows and iTunes Movies apps on the ‌Apple TV‌, there were options to add TV shows and movies to a dedicated wishlist when browsing, which consumers used to save the content for later and watch for sales.

The wishlists did not transfer over to the ‌Apple TV‌ app with these updates, so some customers who had compiled long watch lists are unable to access those curated lists or copy them over to a new location. Some users are able to open up the iTunes Store app on iOS devices and tap on the hamburger button in the upper right corner to see their wishlists, but this does not appear to be working for everyone. Those who compiled lists on the ‌Apple TV‌ appear to have no way to access them. From Reddit:

I've looked on iOS, and my wishlist has completely disappeared. I've been building it for about 10 years, and it had a little over 400 movies on it. I wish Apple would've thought this through more before just springing such a drastic change on us.

In tvOS 17.2, iOS 17.2, and iPadOS 17.2, there is a "+" button that can be used for saving content for future watching, but this adds it to the Up Next feature, which can be rather more cluttered than a traditional wishlist.

With tvOS 17.2, Apple disabled the separate iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps during the beta testing process. The option to purchase TV shows and movies from the iTunes Store app on the ‌iPhone‌ and the ‌iPad‌ was removed at the time iOS 17.2 and iPadOS 17.2 were released through a server side update.

It is not clear if Apple will reimplement wishlists in some way given the number of upset customers, but it seems unlikely. There were similar complaints when Apple removed App Store wishlists way back with iOS 11, but that feature did not return.

Apple made few updates to the Apple Watch lineup in 2023, but the 2024 Apple Watch models are expected to include a new feature set that will make them much more appealing to consumers, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said today in his Power On newsletter.

At least one Apple Watch model will feature an updated look, and while Gurman does not specify, it could be the standard Apple Watch that's getting a design update. Apple just introduced the Apple Watch Ultra in 2022, and while there are rumors of a larger microLED display for that device, current information suggests Apple won't be ready to add microLED until 2025 or 2026.

In prior reports, Gurman has said that Apple is working on a significant update for the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch was announced in September 2014, but it did not launch until April 2015, so it is a little unclear whether the "tenth anniversary" falls in 2024 or 2025. We are due for the "Apple Watch Series 10" in 2024, and with Gurman pointing to a design update next year, that could be the "anniversary" model.

The updated Apple Watch could include a thinner design as well as a new magnetic mechanism for connecting bands, but the health features may be more appealing to customers. Gurman says that we can expect the next-generation version of the Apple Watch to detect hypertension and sleep apnea, conditions that affect millions of people.

Hypertension will be detected through blood pressure monitoring done on the wrist, which is a notable feat of engineering. Gurman said in November that the Apple Watch will be able to tell the wearer if their blood pressure is trending upward so they can report the findings to a medical professional, but it will not provide specific systolic and diastolic measurements. A future version of the technology may be able to provide exact readings.

Sleep apnea will be detected through sleep measurements and breathing patterns, letting users know if the condition is present. Detecting sleep apnea often requires a sleep study in an overnight sleep center, so the Apple Watch could relieve some of the friction in getting a diagnosis. More mild cases of sleep apnea may go unnoticed, which means at-home warnings about the condition could allow people who don't know they are afflicted to get help and improve their sleep.

Apple refreshes the Apple Watch on an annual basis, so we can expect the new model to come out right around September 2024 alongside the iPhone 16 lineup.

Apple in 2024 will introduce a fourth-generation version of the AirPods with a number of new features to make the earbuds more appealing to consumers, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reiterated today in his weekly Power On newsletter.

There will be two versions of the AirPods 4 that are available at two different price points, with Apple aiming to replace both the AirPods 3 and the lower-priced AirPods 2 that it continues to sell. As of now, there is little difference between the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 beyond the design, which Gurman says is confusing to customers and costs Apple money when consumers opt for the cheaper model.

‌AirPods 4‌ will streamline the available AirPods options. The earbuds will feature an updated design, which Gurman outlined in October. The new AirPods are expected to look like a cross between the current AirPods and the AirPods Pro, with shorter stems. Fit is expected to be improved, but it is as of yet unclear if Apple will add silicone ear tips.

A redesigned case will include speakers for Find My alerts, and a USB-C charging port rather than a Lightning port. The higher-end version of the AirPods will feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which has to date been limited to the ‌AirPods Pro‌. It will allow customers to get ANC at a more affordable price point.

In a software update coming later next year, Apple will add hearing aid functionality, allowing AirPods to serve as an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing alternative to traditional hearing aids. The FDA in 2022 approved OTC hearing aid options, paving the way for Apple to market the AirPods for hearing loss. Gurman has said that Apple also plans to offer hearing tests that would tell AirPods users if they are experiencing hearing loss.

The ‌AirPods 4‌ will launch in 2024, perhaps around September when Apple unveils new iPhone models. Apple is also planning for a new version of the AirPods Max in 2024, but the update will be limited to new colors and the addition of a USB-C charging port.

Apple's more expensive ‌AirPods Pro‌ will be refreshed in 2025, with Apple set to introduce an updated design "focused on comfort" and a faster chip.

MacRumors has shared multiple details on the iPhone 16's design, including the unveiling of a new button that is planned for the devices, the Capture Button. While we've known the name and location of the button, the internal information that we've obtained does not detail what it will be used for.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the Capture Button will be able to record video. In this week's Power On newsletter, Gurman says that the iPhone 16 models will include a "new dedicated button for taking video." The Capture Button's function is, of course, hinted at in the name, but this is the first time we've heard confirmation of its purpose.

As we explained in a recent look at early iPhone 16 prototypes, the Capture Button will be located on the bottom right side of the ‌iPhone 16‌. It will replace the mmWave antenna on U.S. iPhone models, with the mmWave antenna to be relocated to the left side of the device below the volume and Action buttons. Non-U.S. models do not have a mmWave antenna that needs to be relocated in order to accommodate the Capture Button.

The Capture Button will be a capacitive button with haptic feedback rather than a mechanical button, and it is expected to include a force sensor that can recognize pressure. The location of the button may make it easy to trigger, but if it is activated via pressure, it could be that holding it down will launch into the camera and allow video recording to start. The different pressure levels could also open up the camera for either a photo or a video (specifically a spatial video), but that's just speculation at this point.

The Capture Button is coming to all four ‌iPhone 16‌ models, and with spatial video and the Vision Pro headset, it makes sense for Apple to make video recording quicker and more accessible. The Vision Pro headset can play 3D spatial videos that can be recorded with the ‌iPhone‌.

Right now, the iPhone 15 Pro and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro Max can record spatial video using the Wide and Ultra Wide cameras in tandem, with this functionality added in iOS 17.2. The standard ‌iPhone 16‌ models will feature a new vertical lens arrangement that will allow them to capture spatial video as well, so the feature won't be limited to the Pro models in the future. Spatial video can only be viewed on the Vision Pro headset, and it is meant to make users feel immersed in their memories.

For more on what's expected for the ‌iPhone 16‌ lineup, we have dedicated iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro roundups that aggregate all of the rumors we've heard to date.

We're into the thick of the holiday season now, and Apple has been busy wrapping up its software work for 2023 with this week's public release of iOS 17.2, macOS Sonoma 14.2, and other updates, plus the first round of betas for iOS 17.3 and friends.

On the hardware side, Apple released a standalone USB-C case for AirPods Pro 2 owners looking to make the switch from their original Lightning case, while we shared some details on Apple's design work for next year's iPhone 16, so read on for all the details on these stories and more!

What's New in iOS 17.2

After around six weeks of beta testing and refinement, Apple this week officially released iOS 17.2 and related updates for its other platforms.

iOS 17.2 is a fairly substantial update that brings the new Journal app first previewed at WWDC back in June, spatial recording capabilities for iPhone 15 Pro ahead of the Vision Pro headset launch in early 2024, a new Translate option for the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, Music app improvements, and more.

The update also moves TV show and movie purchases out of the iTunes Store app and over to the TV app.

Top Five Features in macOS Sonoma 14.2

Alongside iOS 17.2, Apple also released macOS Sonoma 14.2 this week, and it brings a number of updates and new features, including Messages improvements like a catch-up arrow for busy conversations and quicker access to sticker reactions.

Other top additions in macOS 14.2 include new AutoFill capabilities for PDFs, new Weather widgets for the Mac desktop, support for multiple timers in the Clock app, and Shazam music recognition improvements.

Check out our video for more on these new features!

iOS 17.3 Beta Adds New Stolen Device Protection Feature to iPhone

With iOS 17.2 and related updates out the door, Apple has moved on to beta testing for the next round of updates, led by iOS 17.3.

iOS 17.3 includes an optional new Stolen Device Protection feature that is designed to add an additional layer of security in the event someone has stolen your iPhone and also obtained the device's passcode.

The update also brings back a collaborative Apple Music playlists feature that was in early betas of iOS 17.2 but pulled prior to public release. The feature lets multiple people contribute to a single playlist, complete with animated emoji reactions to express how you feel about certain songs.

iPhone 16 Early Prototypes: What Apple's Next-Generation iPhone Will Look Like

With the launch of the iPhone 15, Apple introduced design changes like a curved frame and a frosted glass back. Information acquired by MacRumors suggests that Apple's next-generation iPhone 16 will build on these updates with modifications to the buttons and the camera layout.

We have details on early pre-production designs for the ‌iPhone 16‌, including a look at the variants and hardware configurations that Apple has considered so far. Our information comes early in the design process, so things have yet to be finalized, but it's interesting to see the designs Apple has been considering.

Apple Now Selling Standalone USB-C AirPods Pro Case for $99

Apple this week began selling a MagSafe USB-C AirPods Pro 2 Case on a standalone basis for $99, allowing customers who own the Lightning charging case to upgrade to USB-C.

Apple introduced a new version of the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 with USB-C Charging Case in September, but at the time, there was no option to buy a USB-C case on its own. Customers with the Lightning-based ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 had no upgrade path, but those who want to have USB-C charging across all of their devices can now pay a $99 fee to get the new version.

Apple Expands Self Service Repair in Europe, Now Covers iPhone 15 and M2 Macs

Apple has been gradually expanding its Self Service Repair program that allows customers and independent repair shops to obtain authorized parts and tools, and this week saw another significant expansion.

The iPhone 15 lineup and M2-powered Macs are now included in the program, while users in 24 additional European countries are now eligible to participate. Finally, users in the U.S. now have access to Apple Diagnostics to help test devices and identify parts that may need repair.

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.

So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter!

Apple is working on an updated version of the AirPods Pro, and the new earbuds are expected to see a launch in 2025. There are several exciting new features that are rumored for the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 3, and we've rounded up what we know so far.

Refreshed Design

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 3 will get a design overhaul. Exactly what will be changing remains a mystery, but Apple is expected to update both the earbuds and the case to accommodate new features that are planned.

The AirPods 4 were updated with a smaller case last year, so Apple could be planning for a similar change to the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 3.

Better Audio Quality

Apple tends to boost audio quality with each new iteration of the AirPods, and rumors suggest that the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 3 will see audio improvements with better sound quality. We're also expecting further improvements to Active Noise Cancellation, and with Apple's focus on the Vision Pro headset, audio quality will be more important than ever.

The current USB-C version of the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 are designed to pair with the Vision Pro and offer lossless audio, so further feature additions for the Vision Pro and subsequent headsets are a good bet.

Improved ANC

The next-generation ‌AirPods Pro‌ could include "much better" Active Noise Cancellation capabilities compared to the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2, according to rumors. No information about how Apple will improve ANC is available at this time.

Updated Chip

The ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 use the H2 chip, and the next-generation version of the ‌AirPods Pro‌ are expected to get an even faster chip, which Apple could call the H3 if it sticks with that naming scheme.

The current H2 chip powers everything from Active Noise Cancellation to Hey Siri, fast switching, and Adaptive EQ, so the H-series chips are key to AirPods functionality. The H3 chip's processing power could be important for health-related features rumored for the ‌AirPods Pro‌, and it could bring improved range and connectivity.

Hearing Health Improvements

The ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 have a Hearing Assistance feature that includes a hearing test and the option to use the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 2 as hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, and this functionality will also come to the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 3. In the future, Apple might improve upon these features.

Health Features

The third-generation version of the ‌AirPods Pro‌ are expected to include health-related features such as heart rate monitoring and temperature sensing. Heart rate monitoring will allow more people to access heart data for health and fitness purposes without the need for an Apple Watch, while temperature sensing can be more accurate in the ear.

AirPods 4 Features

Apple removed the physical pairing button on the ‌AirPods 4‌, replacing it with a hidden capacitive button at the front. The light was also moved under the plastic of the casing, so it's more subtle and invisible when the LED is off.

Apple could make the same change to the ‌AirPods Pro‌ 3.

Release Date

Current rumors suggest that Apple will introduce an updated version of the ‌AirPods Pro‌ in 2025. Apple often times AirPods launch dates to iPhone events, so we could perhaps see the new earbuds debut sometime around September 2025.

With the launch of iOS 17.2, Apple has fixed an exploit that allowed the Flipper Zero electronic multi-tool to lock up iPhones, reports ZDNET.

The Flipper Zero is a device that can interact with other electronics. It can emulate, read, and copy RFID and NFC tags, digital access keys, remotes, and more. Its capabilities allow it to unlock cars, skim RFID chips, and do other nefarious things, such as spamming iPhones.

Running third-party firmware from Xtreme, the Flipper Zero was able to use a BLE Spam app to create a huge number of Apple TV Keyboard popups on an iPhone, causing the device to lock up. As ZDNET puts it, Flipper Zero was able to perform a denial of service (DoS) attack on all iPhones in a 30-foot radius of the attacker.

Restarting the ‌iPhone‌ was able to fix the issue, but it was still an annoyance. Following the iOS 17.2 update, ZDNET found that an ‌iPhone‌ running the software was not able to be exploited by the Xtreme firmware. Popups still appear, but not a deluge of popups capable of disabling an ‌iPhone‌.

iOS 17.2 was released earlier this week and is recommended for all devices capable of running iOS 17. It includes the Journal app and multiple new features for Messages, Apple Music, Weather, and other apps.

Apple today published a support document that warns customers against using non-certified Apple Watch chargers, which could cause slow charging, repeated chimes, and reduced battery span.

According to Apple, customers should only use chargers made by Apple or chargers that have Made for iPhone (MFi) certification with the Made for Apple Watch badge.

Apple provides images of genuine Apple Watch chargers and explains the text and regulatory markings that may be on the cable. "Chargers that are not made by Apple might have different colors, text, or other designs on the surface of the charging connector," reads the support document.

Apple also provides a list of model numbers for all of the cables that it has produced to date, and gives instructions for checking the manufacturer of a charger using a Mac.

To use this method, the Apple Watch needs to be connected to the Mac. When connected, go to System Settings and then Click on General. Choose About, and then System Report. Under USB, choose the Apple Watch charger to view the details. Watch chargers created by Apple will list Apple Inc. as the manufacturer.

Apple says that customers can ensure they are using a certified third-party charger by looking for the Made for Watch labeling or searching Apple's public database of MFi accessories.

As early 2024 approaches, so does the launch date of Apple's first headworn wearable, the Apple Vision Pro. Apple has promised that the headset will come out in the early months of the year, with current rumors suggesting we could see it before March.

With a release fast approaching, Apple is preparing to offer the Vision Pro in its retail stores in the United States, and a filing from an intellectual property database discovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris gives us some insight into how Apple will display the Vision Pro.

Based on the design images, Apple is preparing a sleek stand for the headset, with the stand set to match other Apple product displays. The curved stand will hold the Vision Pro up in the air, making the display, headband, and other components easy to see from all angles.

Vision Pro headsets will be plugged into an accompanying battery back, which will be stored underneath the headset on the bottom portion of the stand. Apple will not try to hide the battery pack in any way, based on the images. Vision Pro stands will be placed on a mat, with two headsets per mat.

Apple prepares dedicated areas for all of its products, so we can expect the same treatment for the Vision Pro. Flagship retail stores will have hands-on areas where customers can test out the headset, but stores that are not flagships will only have one or two headsets on hand and it is not clear if they will be offering demos.

Apple is bringing retail employees to Cupertino in January to train them on how to prepare their stores for the Vision Pro and how to sell the device to customers. The Vision Pro is Apple's most complex device to date. It requires fitted headbands and light seals to work properly, and some customers will require custom prescription lenses.

There are an increasing number of signs suggesting customers will be required to visit an Apple retail location in order to purchase a Vision Pro headset. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple will take orders online, but it sounds like customers are going to be pushed into in-store pickup so that an Apple employee can provide the right headband, light seal, and optional prescription lenses.

Apple plans to limit sales of the Vision Pro to customers in the United States to start with, before expanding availability to other countries in late 2024. The Vision Pro is set to be priced at $3,500, and Apple is reportedly expecting to make fewer than 400,000 units in 2024.

Apple has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit over Family Sharing, and will pay out $25 million to put an end to the case. First filed in 2019, the lawsuit accused Apple of misrepresenting the way that subscriptions to third-party apps worked with the Family Sharing feature.

While Family Sharing allows participants to share subscriptions with one another, app developers can opt out of allowing a single subscription to be shared among multiple people. Not all subscriptions can be shared because of the opt out policy, which is what led to the lawsuit.

Though Apple has agreed to a settlement, the company says it did nothing wrong and denies making misleading misrepresentations. Apple decided to avoid the potential cost and burden of a jury trial.

U.S. Apple users who participated in a Family Sharing group with at least one other member and purchased a subscription to an app through the App Store between June 21, 2015 and January 30, 2019 are eligible for a payment.

Each class member that files a claim is set to get $30, though that total will vary depending on how many claims are made. The payout will not exceed $50 per claimant, and up to $10 million will go toward attorney fees. Emails about the lawsuit settlement are being sent out to eligible customers as of this week.

Customers have until March 1, 2024 to file a claim, and a final approval hearing is scheduled for April 2, 2024. More information can be found on the website for the settlement.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max will likely feature a 48-megapixel Telephoto lens, according to Jeff Pu, an analyst who covers companies within Apple's supply chain.

In a research note this week with Hong Kong-based investment firm Haitong International Securities, focused on Apple supplier Largan Precision, Pu said the iPhone 17 Pro Max's upgraded 48-megapixel Telephoto lens will be optimized for use with Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset, set to be released in the U.S. in early 2024. Pu did not provide any additional details about the lens, or how it will interface with the Vision Pro.

iPhone 15 Pro models have 48-megapixel main, 12-megapixel ultra wide, and 12-megapixel telephoto lenses. Starting with iOS 17.2, these devices can record spatial video with 3D depth for playback on the Vision Pro. When held in landscape orientation, the main and ultra wide lenses combine to record spatial video with added depth.

Earlier this year, Pu said iPhone 16 Pro models would feature a 48-megapixel ultra wide lens, so the iPhone 17 Pro Max might be the first iPhone model to have a rear camera system entirely with 48-megapixel lenses. Higher megapixels allows for photos to have more detail, which can be useful for cropping and printing.

iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to launch in September 2025, so they are still nearly two years away, and Apple's plans might not be finalized.

Earlier this month, Twelve South launched the ButterFly 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger, and it may be the best multi-device travel charger that's come out to date. The "ButterFly" name comes from the shape, as it has two magnetic sides connected by a small strap in the middle.

When folded up, the ButterFly is just two inches around and fits in a palm or a pocket, making it easy to transport. Unfolded, there's a 15W MagSafe charger on one side for the iPhone, and Apple Watch charging puck on the other side. The Apple Watch charger supports fast charging for the Apple Watch Series 7 and later, allowing for quicker charging speeds.

The Apple Watch charger can be used flat or it can be popped out to support Nightstand mode and bands that can't charge in a flat orientation. The ‌MagSafe‌ side is a simple charging puck that connects to ‌MagSafe‌ iPhones and other devices like the ‌MagSafe‌ AirPods.

There is a USB-C port on the ButterFly to power it, and Twelve South includes a braided black USB-C cable and 30W power adapter. There are swappable plugs so that you'll have the plug you need if you're traveling to another country. There's a standard plug for the U.S. and Canada, a two-prong plug for Europe, a three-prong plug for the UK, Ireland, and other countries, and a plug that works in Australia, New Zealand, and China. You can swap in the one you need and store the rest for trips.

The ButterFly is made from a silver aluminum material that matches well with Apple's devices, with the two halves of the charger connected by a vegan leatheresque strap. It's an attractive design, and the connection between the two pieces seems like it's secure enough to hold up over time.

Twelve South designed the ButterFly with some clever features, so it is able to work with StandBy on the ‌iPhone‌. It can fold over in both directions, so it can be used as a Nightstand for the Apple Watch with the ‌iPhone‌ half folded under, or it can prop an ‌iPhone‌ up in the proper orientation for StandBy mode by folding the Apple Watch half under.

Technically you're supposed to fold it flat when you're charging an ‌iPhone‌ and an Apple Watch at the same time, but I was able to put it in a triangle position to get StandBy mode working while the Apple Watch was also charging. I don't find StandBy mode that useful so I doubt I'll use it in that orientation when traveling, but it's an option.

In charging tests, the ‌MagSafe‌ charger did indeed charge my iPhone 15 Pro Max at 15W, and I got the same charging results that I see with Apple's own ‌MagSafe‌ charger. My close to dead Apple Watch Series 9 charged up to 84 percent in a little under an hour, which is what I expect from an Apple Watch fast charger.

If you wear an Apple Watch to bed, you probably know that an Apple Watch fast charger is a must to get enough battery to make it through the day in short charging spurts, so I appreciate that Twelve South included fast charge capabilities.

Both the Apple Watch charging puck and the ‌MagSafe‌ charger can charge the ‌MagSafe‌ AirPods, which makes this 2-in-1 charger almost as versatile as a 3-in-1 model.

Bottom Line

This is the most compact travel charger I've tried, and I have no complaints, except for the price tag. $130 is expensive, but it is using two of Apple's proprietary technologies - Apple Watch fast charging and ‌MagSafe‌.

Other than the cost, this is the perfect travel charger and if you're looking for a premium solution that folds down small and works well with the ‌iPhone‌, AirPods, and Apple Watch, the ButterFly is worth checking out.

How to Buy

The ButterFly charger from Twelve South can be purchased from the Twelve South website or from the Apple website for $130.

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the recent controversy around Android apps that seek to enable iMessage functionality.

Several companies have been vying to offer solutions for Android users who wish to send and receive iMessages for some time. Most recently, "Beeper Mini" offered a way to do so with no need to sign in with an Apple ID.

The app's developers used reverse-engineered iMessage protocols to register Android phone numbers with Apple's servers, allowing Android users to send blue bubble messages to iPhone users with support for all iMessage functionality, including read receipts, typing indicators, and reactions.

Apple ended up blocking Beeper Mini last week, with the company confirming that it took steps to shut down the app since it apparently posed risks to the security and privacy of iMessage users.

In a blog post, the Beeper Mini team said that the app had the "fastest growing paid Android application in history," with more than 100,000 downloads. This was said to be evidence that Android and ‌iPhone‌ customers "desperately want to be able to chat together" with all of the features available on iMessage. Earlier this week, the app's functionality returned, but now with the requirement to sign in with an ‌Apple ID‌ and receive messages via an email address rather than a phone number.

Beeper Mini's developers say that despite reaching out to Apple, they have not heard back. It is unlikely that Apple will give in and allow Beeper Mini to function as it did, and Apple may shut down further functionality as well if it can.

Apple does have plans to bring a range of iMessage-like features to chats between ‌iPhone‌ users and Android users through RCS, a protocol that Apple will add to iPhones next year. ‌RCS‌ will bring support for high quality video and images, emoji reactions, typing indicators, read receipts, and more, all features that Beeper Mini says that Android and ‌iPhone‌ users are desperate to have in cross-platform chats.

What do you think about Android apps that enable iMessage functionality? Let us know in the comments. The MacRumors Show is now on its own YouTube channel, so head over and subscribe to keep up with new episodes and clips going forward:

You can also listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Google Podcasts, 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 in-depth discussion about the Apple One subscription bundle and each of the services within it.

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.

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We're entering the home stretch of the holiday shopping season, and there are still great discounts to be found across Apple's product lineup. This week, that includes the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C, Apple Watch Series 9, and M2 MacBook Air. Additionally, you'll find great sales at places like Sonos and Samsung, and exclusive sitewide discounts for our readers at ZAGG, Hyper, Twelve South, and Satechi.

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.

MacRumors Exclusive Holiday Deals

• What's the deal? Take up to 55% off sitewide at Hyper, Twelve South, ZAGG, and Satechi
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

We're partnering with a few popular Apple accessory makers this holiday season, giving our readers a chance to save on great last-minute holiday gifts. You can get 35 percent off sitewide at ZAGG (code: MACRUMORS35), up to 55 percent off sitewide at Hyper (code: MREXTRA10), 20 percent off sitewide at Twelve South (code: MacRumors2023), and 30 percent off sitewide at Satechi (code: MACRUMORS).

For more information about these exclusive discounts, be sure to read our full article, which includes end dates and more details about each retailer's sale.

AirPods Pro

• What's the deal? Take $49 off AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
• Where can I get it? Amazon
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Amazon has the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C for $199.99 right now, down from $249.00. This is a solid second-best price on the new earbuds, and they have a guaranteed Christmas delivery if you order them soon.

Apple Watch Series 9

• What's the deal? Take $70 off Apple Watch Series 9
• Where can I get it? Best Buy
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

The year's best deals are still available on Apple Watch Series 9 right now at Best Buy, starting at $329.00 for the 41mm GPS model and rising to $359.00 for the 45mm GPS model. You'll find multiple colors on sale at this price, with many guaranteeing Christmas day delivery.

MacBook Air

• What's the deal? Take up to $250 off M2 MacBook Air models
• Where can I get it? Best Buy
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Best Buy has more than Apple Watches on sale this weekend, offering solid low prices on the 13-inch and 15-inch M2 MacBook Air. Prices start at $899.00 for the 256GB 13-inch MacBook Air and $1,049.00 for the 256GB 15-inch MacBook Air, and you don't need a My Best Buy Plus or Total membership to see these deals.

Sonos

• What's the deal? Take up to 25% off Sonos speakers, soundbars, and more
• Where can I get it? Sonos
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

The Sonos holiday sale is still going on as we reach the end of the week, with up to 25 percent off popular Sonos products like the Arc soundbar, Roam speaker, and many more. Sonos doesn't hold many sales throughout the year, so this will likely be your last chance to get these products at a big discount for a while.

Samsung

• What's the deal? Save on TVs, smartphones, tablets, and more in Samsung's winter sale
• Where can I get it? Samsung
• Where can I find the original deal? Right here

Samsung is hosting its big end-of-year winter sale right now, and that means notable savings on smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds, and more. We've listed a few of these deals below, but be sure to browse the full sale before it ends later this weekend. For those shopping for the holidays, the cutoff for Christmas deliveries is tonight at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

• Galaxy S23 Ultra - Get up to $800 instant trade-in credit with an eligible phone trade-in
• 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
• Galaxy Watch6 - $239.99, down from $299.99
• Galaxy Watch6 Classic - $329.99, down from $399.99
• Galaxy Buds FE - $79.99, down from $99.99
• Galaxy Buds2 Pro - $169.99, down from $229.99
• Galaxy Tab A7 Lite - $104.99, down from $159.99
• Galaxy Tab S9 FE - Get up to $50 off

Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.

iPhone 17 Pro models in 2025 will be equipped with an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip, according to Jeff Pu, an analyst who covers companies within Apple's supply chain.

In a research note this week with Hong Kong-based investment firm Haitong International Securities, Pu said the chip could be a long-term threat to Broadcom, which currently supplies Apple with a combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip for iPhones.

Pu believes Apple will expand its in-house Wi-Fi chip to the entire iPhone 18 series in 2026. He did not share any additional details about the chip.

In January, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple was developing its own combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip for use in devices starting in 2025. Later that month, however, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said it was a Wi-Fi-only chip and said Apple had paused development "for a while." It's unclear if development has resumed.

Like its long-rumored 5G modem for iPhones, the Wi-Fi chip would allow Apple to further reduce its dependance on external suppliers for components.

Wi-Fi 7 support would allow iPhone 17 Pro models to send and receive data over the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands simultaneously with a supported router, resulting in faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity. Wi-Fi 7 can provide peak speeds of over 40 Gbps, a 4× increase over Wi-Fi 6E, according to Qualcomm.

In August, Pu said the iPhone 16 Pro models launching next year would also feature Wi-Fi 7 support, but not with an Apple-designed chip.

The Apple Watch Ultra will gain a 10% percent larger display upon switching from OLED to microLED in 2026, according to Taiwanese research firm TrendForce.

The current Apple Watch Ultra has a display size of 1.93-inches, whereas the upcoming microLED model is apparently due to feature a 2.12-inch screen. The microLED panel is estimated to cost two to three times more than the equivalent OLED display used in the current model, at a price of around $120. It is due to be supplied by Germany's ams OSRAM and South Korea's LG Display.

Apple's plan to bring a microLED display to the Apple Watch Ultra is very widely corroborated, starting with a report from display analyst Ross Young in January 2023. The advanced display offers improved brightness, color reproduction, dynamic range, viewing angles, and efficiency, making images look more like they are "painted" atop the display glass. The project is part of Apple's plan to reduce its reliance on Samsung as a supplier while yielding benefits from engineering its own displays in-house, just like its chip technology.

TrendForce's 2026 launch time frame for the microLED Apple Watch Ultra remains unchanged and is later than several other sources, which have largely centered on 2025.

Apple has reportedly been working on custom microLED display technology for almost a decade. The company is said to have plans to replace all of its existing LCD, OLED, and mini-LED panels with microLED in the long term, with the technology being designed to be scaled up from the Apple Watch to the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro headset.

Apple has reached a settlement in its multi-year copyright lawsuit against Corellium, a company known for creating virtual versions of iOS for security research purposes, Forbes reports.

The lawsuit, initiated by Apple in 2019, accused Corellium of infringing upon its copyrights by replicating iOS. Corellium's technology allowed security researchers and developers to run virtual iPhones, enabling them to probe iOS outside of Apple's own security measures. This capability was at the core of Apple's allegations, claiming that Corellium's software not only replicated iOS but also served as an alternative to Apple's security research products.

Corellium defended its actions under fair use, asserting that its replication of iOS was solely for the purpose of security research and was substantially transformative. In 2021, Apple agreed to drop its claims but then filed an appeal that challenged an earlier ruling in favor of Corellium's fair use claim.

This week, the court announced that both Apple and Corellium have ultimately come to a confidential settlement, bringing the prolonged dispute to an end.

Apple is focusing on bringing OLED displays to its iPad and MacBook lineups rather than offering its first foldable, Nikkei Asia reports.

Apple is widely expected to bring OLED displays to the iPad Pro for the first time next year ahead of a wider expansion across the MacBook lineup. Nikkei today corroborated this information citing sources said to be to be familiar with the matter, adding that the first OLED MacBook model is under development for production in the second half of 2025.

Nikkei claims that Apple is currently evaluating the potential of offering a foldable ‌iPad‌ after the transition to OLED is complete, but it is not a main focus and the company does not yet have a solid timeline for releasing such a device, mirroring a report from DigiTimes earlier this year.

Reports from a multitude of reliable sources are fairly consistent that Apple plans to launch a foldable ‌iPad‌ before a foldable iPhone. In October, DigiTimes reported a range of details about Apple's tentative work on foldable iPads, including necessary design changes and small-scale production plans.