Apple CEO Tim Cook has made a surprise visit to China amid reports that iPhone 15 sales are down in the country compared to last year's iPhone 14 models (via Bloomberg).
Cook visited an Apple's Taikoo Li store in Chengdu to watch a local gaming tournament for the major Tencent game "Honor of Kings" and talk to shoppers and staff. Cook later posted about the event on Weibo with a short video, saying that "the energy tonight was off the charts!" Cook then visited a Yucheng elementary school to see how students use the iPad to support local culture.
The appearance comes just a day after two Counterpoint Research studies claimed that iPhone 15 sales are down 4.5% versus last year's iPhone 14 lineup in China, causing Apple's share price to fall. As a result, Cook's visit is being widely associated with concern about iPhone 15 sales in China across various mainstream media outlets.
Cook's posts on Weibo during the trip have also aroused a usual amount of ire. For example, Cook shared a photo of Chengdu at night shot on an iPhone 15 Pro Max. The post was then "flooded with complaints" about the ostensibly poor quality of the image and unfavorable comparisons to pictures from Chinese devices like Huawei's recently Mate 60 Pro.
Apple is rumored to be introducing a new Apple Pencil as soon as tomorrow, so with a potential announcement on the horizon, we thought we'd round up a list of the features that are said to be coming in the next update.
The Current Rumors
While we've been hearing about a third-generation Apple Pencil for several months now, it was just this weekend that Japanese site Mac Otakara said that a new model is set to launch imminently.
The rumor came in response to another rumor about new iPads. Apparently, Apple has media briefings scheduled for this week with some YouTubers, and those meetings are said to be focused on the iPad. No more specific information has been leaked, so it's unclear whether we're going to get iPads, iPads and an Apple Pencil, or just an Apple Pencil.
What seems clear is that some kind of announcement is happening tomorrow via press release.
Magnetic Tips
The Apple Pencil 3 is said to have swappable magnetic tips that are for different activities like drawing, sketching, and writing. Apple could go with tips of different thicknesses and shapes.
A thin tip, for example, would be ideal for writing, but those who are sketching and drawing might want the option for something thicker or a tip in a different shape.
Majin Bu, the leaker who shared the rumor, said the tips would be used for different purposes, but there is also a possibility that the tips will be the same, but magnetically detachable to make it easier to swap them out when one wears down.
Design Changes
Way back in 2021, there was a leaked third-generation Apple Pencil with a shorter length and a glossy, rounded finish, but it is not clear if that is an accurate depiction of the planned third-generation Apple Pencil given that it was so long ago.
That model did, however, have a larger tip component that could actually make sense with swappable magnetic tips.
Color
There were rumors that the next Apple Pencil could be available in white and black, but that rumor dates all the way back to 2020, so it's unlikely to be accurate at this point in time.
USB-C and Consolidation
Right now, Apple sells two Apple Pencils, the first-generation model that's compatible with the low-cost iPad, and the second-generation model that works with everything else.
With the transition to USB-C, an update to the Apple Pencil makes sense. Apple could design a third-generation model that works with all iPads, including future low-cost models to eliminate the need to have two Apple Pencils, or it could design a new version of the original Apple Pencil that charges over USB-C to accommodate the USB-C port that's already been introduced in the low-cost iPad.
Right now, the original Apple Pencil has a Lightning connector, and charging it with the low-cost iPad requires an adapter, an unwieldy and inconvenient setup.
Will There or Won't There Be an iPad Refresh?
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple does not have plans to introduce new iPads tomorrow. Gurman said over the weekend that while new iPad Air, iPad mini, and entry-level iPad models are in the works with faster chips, an iPad refresh "won't happen this month." Kuo said back in September that new iPads are "unlikely" to launch in 2023.
Both 9to5Mac and Supercharged News have claimed that Apple will announce updated iPad Air, iPad mini, and entry-level iPad models this week.
It would be unusual for Apple to debut a new Apple Pencil without introducing new iPads, but Kuo and Gurman often have reliable insight in to Apple's plans, so it doesn't seem out of the question. It is possible that we could see Apple introduce a new Apple Pencil and a new low-cost iPad, as that is a tablet that is typically refreshed yearly and it is also the sole remaining tablet that uses the original Apple Pencil.
Refreshing the low-cost iPad would allow Apple to introduce a new Apple Pencil that works with all iPad models, doing away with the split Apple Pencil lineup.
If we do get new iPads, there are no major redesigns or flashy features in the works. All of the rumors so far suggest that only minor spec bumps like chip improvements are in the works.
Which source do you think is right? Will we see iPads or an Apple Pencil tomorrow? Let us know in the comments below.
Apple will introduce a new low-cost 11th-generation iPad tomorrow, according to leaker Majin Bu. Majin Bu claims that the new iPad will have the same design as the 10th-generation model, and that accessories "will be perfectly compatible."
Last week, the same leaker claimed that Apple would debut a third-generation Apple Pencil with interchangeable magnetic tips, and today's rumor comes following conflicting reports about products that Apple might be introducing tomorrow.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday that while new iPads are in development, new models are not expected this month, while reports from 9to5Mac and Supercharged News claimed that Apple plans to introduce new iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad models as soon as Tuesday. Separately, Japanese site Mac Otakara reported that Apple doesn't have plans to introduce new iPads, but will debut a new Apple Pencil 3 instead.
Majin Bu's report of an 11th-generation iPad does not mention the iPad Air or the iPad mini, and it also seems to suggest that the iPad will be accompanied by compatible accessories, perhaps a new Apple Pencil as suggested by Mac Otakara.
Majin Bu is known for sharing rumors from Weibo and other sources, but the information that we hear is often hit or miss. At this point, it is unclear whether we're going to get new iPads, an Apple Pencil, or some combination of both, but we'll find out more in the morning.
Apple's quarterly iPad revenue will significantly decline in the fourth quarter of 2023 on a year-over-year basis, according to estimated figures shared today by Erik Woodring, an analyst at investment firm Morgan Stanley.
Morgan Stanley estimates that Apple will report iPad revenue of $7.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, which would be a decline of approximately 23% compared to the $9.4 billion that Apple reported for the segment in the year-ago quarter.
The year-ago quarter will be a tough comparison for iPad revenue, according to Morgan Stanley, as Apple announced updated iPad Pro models and the 10th-generation iPad last October. Over the weekend, two reports indicated that Apple plans to announce updated iPad Air, iPad mini, and entry-level iPad models this week, although some credible sources like Bloomberg's Mark Gurman have cast doubt on this rumor.
It's unclear if Morgan Stanley expects new iPads to launch this month, but given the firm expects iPad revenue to significantly decline this quarter, the firm is at least not expecting any iPad updates that are major enough for revenue growth. Only minor changes are expected for the next iPad Air, iPad mini, and entry-level iPad whenever the devices are released, including an M2 chip for the iPad Air and an A16 Bionic chip for the iPad mini.
Apple has yet to release any new iPads this year. If that trend continues for the remainder of 2023, it would be the first calendar year with no new iPads released in the device's 13-year history. The two reports expecting new iPad models this week said Apple's announcement would likely be on Tuesday, so we'll see what happens tomorrow.
We're over a month away from Black Friday, but as always we're already seeing a few retailers kick off very early "pre-Black Friday" events. Today that includes Anker, which is offering up to 50 percent off select charging accessories, as well as a buy one, get one half off sitewide through October 18.
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.
In terms of the BOGO sale, you'll need to purchase two charging products that are not already discounted in order to get the discount. If two or more items are purchased, Anker will automatically take 50 percent off the least expensive item.
There are plenty of other Anker accessories with straight cash discounts right now on Anker's website and on Amazon as well. All of the accessories listed below have codes that will be applied once you add them to your cart, and there are a few products being matched at Amazon.
As we get closer to Black Friday on November 24, be sure to keep an eye on our Black Friday Roundup, which will track all of the best Apple and Apple-related deals of the season. You can also 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.
The seventh-generation iPad mini will feature four main upgrades and changes, according to a Weibo leaker with an early track record for disclosing accurate information about Apple's plans.
The account, known as "Instant Digital," claims that the seventh-generation iPad mini will feature four key differences, with no other other notable improvements other than the following changes.
A16 Bionic Chip
The next-generation iPad mini will apparently sport the A16 Bionic chip, offering a modest upgrade over the current model that features the A15 Bionic.
The A16 Bionic would put the iPad mini on par with the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Plus. The chip would deliver around 10% better performance, 50% more GPU memory bandwidth, and a new image processor (ISP) compared to the current model. The chip upgrade is by far the most widely reported upgrade rumored for the seventh-generation iPad mini.
Upgraded Front and Rear Cameras
Instant Digital also claims that the iPad mini will receive upgraded front and rear cameras, but further details about what exactly this will entail are unclear.
The current iPad mini has a 12-megapixel rear camera with an ƒ/1.8 aperture and a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide front-facing camera with an ƒ/2.4 aperture. This is the same front and rear camera unit used across all of Apple's iPad models at the moment.
The change could take the form of a tangible upgrade to the iPad mini's camera hardware, or it could encompass software features like Photonic Engine, which has not yet been offered on any iPad models. ProRes video recording, Audio zoom, stereo audio recording, Portrait mode, and Portrait Lighting support are all plausible upgrades in this area.
New Color Options
The seventh-generation iPad mini will be available in a selection of new color options, Instant Digital claims.
The current iPad mini is available in Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, and Purple. Apple could retain some of these colors and swap one or two out for new options, or it could overhaul the entire selection. It is not clear what new finishes could be in store, but it is possible Apple could take inspiration from the iPhone 15's Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink color options.
Display With Reduced 'Jelly Scrolling' Effect
Last week, Instant Digital said that the seventh-generation iPad mini's screen assembly will be rotated to reduce the effect of "jelly scrolling" that some users complain about with the current model.
"Jelly scrolling" refers to screen tearing, which can cause text or images on one side of the screen to appear to be tilted downwards because of a mismatch in refresh rates. It can cause one side of the display to look as if it is responding faster than the other side in a visual disturbance that is hard to ignore once noticed.
Apple says the phenomenon is normal behavior for LCD iPads. Since LCD screens refresh line by line, there is a tiny delay between when the lines at the top and lines at the bottom are refreshed. But while this may be normal behavior for LCD screens, it can appear more obvious when observed on the iPad mini's smaller screen.
Users have generally only complained about jelly scrolling when the iPad mini is in portrait orientation. The issue is not reproducible in landscape orientation when scrolling, indicating this is a vertical refresh issue. According to the latest rumor, Apple plans to rotate the screen assembly to reduce the jelly scrolling effect in portrait orientation. Whether it will now become more prominent when the iPad mini is in landscape orientation is yet to be seen, but Instant Digital simply claims that the effect is reduced on the new model.
Next-Generation iPad Pro Details
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is planning a complete revamp of its Magic Keyboard accessory for the iPad that makes the device more laptop-like.
The updated version of the Magic Keyboard for iPad will apparently offer a larger trackpad, addressing criticisms of the current model, and "makes the iPad Pro look even more like a laptop than the current setup." The area around the keyboard itself will be made of aluminum, resembling the top case of MacBooks, to provide a sturdier structure. The exterior shell of the keyboard will retain the silicone cover material used on the current model and a single USB-C port. Gurman mused that the redesign using more premium materials could lead Apple to raise the accessory's $299 price point.
Now, Instant Digital claims that the next-generation Magic Keyboard will also be 100% carbon neutral thanks to its redesign and use of different materials. Last month, Apple unveiled its first carbon neutral products: The aluminium Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE when paired with a new Sport Loop, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 when paired with a new Trail Loop or Alpine Loop. The company plans for all of its products to be carbon neutral by 2030.
The next-generation iPad Pro models are rumored to feature OLED displays, in a significant first for Apple's tablet lineup. Instant Digital added that Apple plans to use Samsung's Gen 6 OLED panel production lines to supply displays for the next-generation iPad Pro models. Chinese supplier BOE is also apparently still trying to obtain orders from Apple for iPad OLED displays, and is currently trying to improve the quality and suitability of its panels. The devices are not expected to launch until next year.
Will New iPads Launch This Week?
Instant Digital's discussion of the seventh-generation iPad mini's features comes in anticipation of a new model that could be announced as soon as tomorrow. Last week, the Weibo user said that seventh-generation iPad mini is among several devices that Apple could launch this month. A modified first-generation Apple Pencil with a USB-C connector instead of Lightning and the sixth-generation iPad Air with the M2 chip are also apparently on the table for announcement toward the end of October.
After evidence of a refreshed first-generation Apple Pencil with a USB-C connector was discovered in iOS 17.1 beta code, Instant Digital said that "Apple has not given up on the original Apple Pencil, and a USB-C version is expected to be coming soon." The account has also recently discussed a third-generation Apple Pencil model.
Over the weekend, multiple websites made independent claims that Apple plans to announce updated iPad Air, iPad mini, and entry-level iPad models this week, citing sources. Instant Digital has been making claims about new iPad models set to launch this month since early September.
A post on the Korean social media site Naver from a user with a track record for posting Apple rumors also shared information from a different Weibo user, separate to reporting over the weekend about new iPad models being released this week, claiming that the next-generation iPad Air and iPad mini models will be available starting this week.
Despite these reports, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman yesterday said that new iPad Air, iPad mini, and entry-level iPad models are all in development with faster chips, but believes they "won't happen this month." Similarly, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently remarked "new iPad models are unlikely before the year's end."
Interestingly, a report from Mac Otakara yesterday claimed that a third-generation Apple Pencil with a replaceable magnetic tip is more likely to be announced instead of new iPads. Last month, the leaker known as "Majin Bu" said the new Apple Pencil would feature interchangeable magnetic tips for drawing, technical drawing, and digital painting.
As a result, the exact picture of what to expect this month is unclear. At the start of the month, MacRumors learned about imminent changes to Apple's trade-in policies that could align with the launch of new products. Overall, the rumor mill is currently quite a mixed picture when it comes to details about new Apple product launches this month, but two things are for sure: Almost all of the chatter relates to the iPad or iPad accessories, and it will not be long before we know for sure whether Apple really is going to launch anything this month.
Apple has announced that its online store is now available in Chile, providing customers located in the country with a way to purchase iPhones, Macs, iPads, and more directly from Apple.
As in other countries, Apple's Chilean online store offers a full range of Apple products and accessories, with shopping assistance from Apple Specialists, a trade-in program for iPhone sales, free one-on-one online training sessions with certain product purchases, build-to-order Mac options, and multiple payment options including financing.
Previously, customers in Chile could only purchase Apple products through third-party Apple Authorized Distributors. Apple's online store allows customers from Chile to purchase from Apple directly and have their orders shipped for free to all regions in the country.
"We're thrilled to be expanding in Chile with the launch of the Apple Store online," said Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's Senior Vice President of Retail. "We love creating magical experiences for our customers, and whether they're looking to unleash creativity or embrace an entrepreneurial spirit, we now have an incredible Apple experience for everyone in Chile who wants to discover and shop for our amazing products, including the all new iPhone 15 lineup and Apple Watch Series 9."
Apple says customers in Chile will be able to pre-order the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max starting October 20.
This story was originally published on October 11 and updated on October 16.
Apple is planning to implement an innovative new system that allows retail store staff to wirelessly update iPhones inside their sealed boxes, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In the most recent "Power On" newsletter, Gurman outlined how Apple plans to tackle brand new iPhones being sold in retail stores with outdated software. For example, the iPhone 15 lineup shipped with iOS 17, but iOS 17.0.1 was already available upon its launch and the devices required a update to iOS 17.0.2 to fix an issue that prevented the transfer of data directly from another iPhone during the setup process.
Apple wants customers to receive iPhones with the latest version of iOS to avoid users having to update themselves, especially if important updates have been pushed to address high-profile bugs. Before the end of the next year, Apple will apparently provide a new system to retail stores to address this. It features a "proprietary pad-like device" that retail store staff can place a sealed iPhone box on top of. The system then wirelessly turns on the iPhone, updates its software to the latest version, and powers it off, with no need to open the device's packaging.
Four new MacBook models with M3-series chips are on schedule to launch next year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports.
In his latest "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips have now reached design validation testing (DVT), meaning that the devices are nearing mass production. He believes that progress on the new machines indicates that they are likely to launch between early 2024 and the spring, which would mirror the approximate time frame in which the M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro models launched earlier this year.
New 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air models with the M3 chip have also apparently reached engineering verification testing (EVT), an earlier production testing phase on prototype devices. Gurman says this puts the next-generation MacBook Airs on schedule for launch between the spring and summer of next year at the earliest, which could also mirror the time frame of the current models' launches that took place at WWDC in June 2022 and 2023.
Apple's upcoming low-cost variant of the Vision Pro headset will lose out on features including EyeSight and an M-series chip, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Both The Information and Bloomberg have previously claimed that Apple is working on a more affordable version of the Apple Vision Pro headset. The initial version set to launch early next year will be priced at $3,500, placing it out of reach of many Apple customers.
In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman explained that Apple has planned to launch a cheaper mixed-reality headset since before the announcement of Vision Pro and is now actively funneling resources toward the lower-end device. The company has apparently shifted staff away from developing a standalone AR glasses product toward the lower-cost headset. Apple has purportedly discussed pricing it at around $1,500 to $2,500.
Gurman previously mentioned that Apple plans to bring down the price of the headset using lower resolution displays and a chip designed for the iPhone, rather than the Mac. Now, he also believes that Apple is likely to remove EyeSight, Vision Pro's external display that shows the wearer's eyes, as well as reduce the number of cameras and sensors on the device.
Gurman also reiterated his report from last week that Apple is continuing work on the second-generation of the fully fledged Vision Pro headset, featuring a slightly smaller and lighter design to make it more comfortable to wear. Apple is also exploring integrating prescription lenses directly into the device to simplify its design.
While multiple reports have indicated that Apple plans to announce updated iPad Air, iPad mini, and entry-level iPad models this week, Japanese blog Mac Otakara believes a third-generation Apple Pencil is more likely to be announced instead of new iPads.
An excerpt from the report, computer translated by Bing:
MacOTAKARA believes that rather than an update to the iPad itself, the Apple Pencil 3 will be launched, which will come with a replaceable magnet tip.
Last month, leaker "Majin Bu" said the new Apple Pencil would feature interchangeable magnetic tips for drawing, technical drawing, and digital painting.
The second-generation Apple Pencil was announced on October 30, 2018. It comes with one non-magnetic tip, with replacement tips available. The second-generation Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to 2018 and newer iPad Pro models, 2020 and newer iPad Air models, and the latest iPad mini. In the U.S., it is priced at $129.
Apple also continues to sell the first-generation Apple Pencil with a Lightning connector for the tenth-generation entry-level iPad and some older iPad models. It has been rumored that this Apple Pencil model might be updated with a USB-C connector soon. The original Apple Pencil was released in November 2015 for $99.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today said Apple is making progress on new iPad models, but he believes that the release of these devices "won't happen this month."
Apple is making progress on new iPad and MacBook models, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes that the release of these devices "won't happen this month."
"More often than not, the company debuts new laptops and iPads in October — about a month after the latest iPhone and watch get out the door," said Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "And while I reported in July that Apple was planning such a release this year, the latest indications are that it won't happen this month."
Gurman went on to say that new iPad Air, iPad mini, and entry-level iPad models are all in development with faster chips, but he does not believe that "updates of any significance are imminent." This wording is more vague compared to his above claim that iPad releases "won't happen this month" whatsoever.
Last month, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said "new iPad models are unlikely before the year's end." If this claim is accurate, 2023 would be the first calendar year with no new iPads announced in the device's 13-year history.
As for MacBooks, Gurman expects the next 14-inch MacBook Pro, 16-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch MacBook Air, and 15-inch MacBook Air models to launch in the first half of 2024. He did not comment on the iMac or other Macs.
New iPads This Week?
Supercharged and 9to5Mac this weekend both independently reported that Apple plans to announce updated iPad Air, iPad mini, and entry-level iPad models this week, citing sources. Both publications said the iPad Air will be updated with the M2 chip, and said the iPad mini will be updated with the A16 Bionic chip.
It should be a fascinating week ahead for the rumor mill. Who will be right? We will soon find out.
While the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are still around 11 months away from launching, there are already several rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped new features and changes expected for the devices so far.
These are some of the key changes rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro models as of October 2023:
Larger displays: The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with larger 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively, according to Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants. The devices are expected to have taller aspect ratios as part of this change. By comparison, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays, respectively.
Capture Button: Apple plans to include a new "Capture Button" on all iPhone 16 models, according to pre-production information obtained by MacRumors. The button would be located below the power button, but its purpose is unknown. It has been speculated that it could be a dedicated shutter button for the camera.
48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens: The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will feature an upgraded 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera lens for higher-resolution photos with more detail when shooting in 0.5× mode, according to Jeff Pu, a tech analyst at Hong Kong investment firm Haitong International Securities.
Wi-Fi 7 support: The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will also support Wi-Fi 7, according to Pu. This would enable the devices to send and receive data over the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands simultaneously, resulting in faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity. Wi-Fi 7 is expected to offer peak data transfer speeds of over 40 Gbps, a 4× increase over Wi-Fi 6E.
5G Advanced: iPhone 16 Pro models will be equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75 modem for faster and more power efficient 5G connectivity, according to Pu. The modem supports the "5G Advanced" standard, which has been described as "the next phase of 5G" and an "evolution towards 6G."
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 16 Pro models in September 2024. Additional details about the devices should surface over the coming months, so be sure to keep tabs on our iPhone 16 roundup for the latest information.
We're now more than a month past the big iPhone 15 introduction, but things are still chugging along with Apple news and rumors, led by the iOS 17.1 and related updates that will be bringing some changes later this month.
There have also been a number of new rumors about the iPhone 16 and the Mac lineup, while we had a couple of special guests on the most recent episodes of The MacRumors Show, so read on below for all the details on these stories and more!
iPhone 16 Pro Expected to Support Faster '5G Advanced'
The next-generation iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X75 modem for faster and more power efficient 5G, according to tech analyst Jeff Pu. However, he expects the lower-end iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models to stick with the Snapdragon X70.
Will Apple Release New Macs Soon? Here's What the Latest Rumors Say
Apple often releases new Macs in the fall, but whether that will happen this year is far from certain. It's the second week of October now, and there is still no sign that Apple will be hosting an event this month.
To help clear things up, this week we recapped all of the latest rumors about Macs. The next big feature expected for Macs is the M3 chip, which is expected to be a 3nm chip like the A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Things are constantly changing, of course, and even since that recap a new rumor has surfaced claiming we could see updated iMac models with M2 and M2 Pro chips in the near future.
The MacRumors Show: Former Apple Executive Mike Bell Talks AirPort, CarPlay, and More
Apple this week introduced new firmware for both the AirPods Pro 2 with Lightning port and the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C port. The new firmware is 6A303, up from the 6A301 update that was released in September.
Apple's release notes only mention unspecified bug fixes and other improvements, so we don't know details on what's new, but there are likely some refinements to new AirPods Pro 2 features added in iOS 17 such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, and Personalized Volume.
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.
Apple is working on a new version of the 4K Apple TV, and rumors suggest that will debut in 2025, three years after the launch of the current model. This guide includes details on everything that we expect to see in the 2025 Apple TV 4K.
Design
Apple has not refreshed the design of the Apple TV in several years, and that's not going to change in 2025. We are not expecting any updates to the form factor, and it will continue to use the same slimmed-down black plastic body from the current Apple TV model.
A New Chip
The current Apple TV 4K has the same A15 Bionic chip that was in the iPhone 13 lineup, and we're expecting a new A-series chip for the 2025 Apple TV. Apple doesn't design chips exclusively for the Apple TV, so it will use a previously released iPhone chip.
Apple might use the A17 Pro chip that first debuted in the iPhone 15 Pro models, as that would give the Apple TV the capability to play console-quality games, a rumor from years back. The A17 Pro was Apple's first 3-nanometer chip, and it includes a 6-core GPU that's able to support hardware-accelerated ray tracing for the first time, enabling games with more realistic graphics. Several console games like Resident Evil 4 and Death Stranding are available on the iPhone thanks to the A17 Pro and A18 chip series.
At the same time, it is worth noting that the A17 Pro chip may ultimately be too expensive for Apple to include in an Apple TV, especially as there are rumors that Apple is aiming for a lower price point. There's also a possibility that Apple could use the A18, its newest chip, but that too would be expensive. If Apple doesn't use the A17 Pro, it could go with the A16 or the A16 Pro.
Wi-Fi 6E
Apple is expected to use a custom Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip that it designed for the Apple TV 4K. The chip features support for Wi-Fi 6E, which will allow the Apple TV to connect to 6GHz networks when available.
Other Connectivity
Apple offers both a Wi-Fi only Apple TV 4K and a Wi-Fi + Ethernet model, and that could continue with the next-generation model. We could also see the next Apple TV adopt Bluetooth 5.3.
The Apple TV is expected to continue to offer Thread integration and support for Matter when used as a home hub for smart home products.
Pricing
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said last year that he expects the next Apple TV to be more affordable, and that a price under $100 would be the "sweet spot." Pricing on the current Apple TV 4K starts at $129 for 64GB storage and Wi-Fi only connectivity, so it is not hard to imagine that Apple could introduce a new model at a lower price point or, alternatively, keep the current model as a lower-cost option alongside a new model with updated capabilities.
Launch Date
Apple is said to be planning to release the next Apple TV in late 2025, which would be a September to December launch timeframe.
Future Apple TV Innovations
Apple is rumored to be working on some sort of product that would combine the Apple TV functionality, a smart speaker, and a FaceTime camera in one device, but it's been over a year since we last heard about it.
There are also rumors of an Apple smart home display that would serve as a central hub for controlling smart home products, and there is a possibility that it could have Apple TV functionality. This product could launch as soon as 2024, but it is distinct from the next-generation Apple TV 4K that is also in development.
Guide Feedback
Have questions about the next Apple TV 4K or want to offer feedback on this guide? Send us an email here.
Apple's upcoming iOS 17.1 update is set to be released to the public by October 24, according to the French regulatory group ANFR (via iPhoneSoft). The release date was shared on the ANFR's website in an update outlining Apple's plan to address radiation levels in the iPhone 12.
"Apple has committed to deploy an update in France," reads a translation of the update, which is in French. "This fix will be available to all users no later than October 24."
Apple earlier this week confirmed that iOS 17.1 will include a tweak that will lower iPhone 12 radiation levels. Back in September, France ordered Apple to stop selling the iPhone 12 and "fix" devices to bring them into compliance with European electromagnetic radiation standards. The order came after the ANFR found that the iPhone 12's Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) came in at 5.74 watts per kilogram, above the limit set by the European Union.
According to Apple, the ANFR made an error in its radiation tests, using a testing protocol that did not account for the off-body detection mechanism in the iPhone. iPhones have a built-in feature that allows them to increase their transmit power when not held on the body for optimized cellular performance.
Apple says that the off-body detection has been "thoroughly tested and verified internationally to be an effective mechanism to comply with SAR requirements," bur nevertheless, the company has agreed to disable this feature on iPhones in France.
According to Apple, the iPhone 12 is safe to use "and always has been." After the iOS 17.1 update, iPhone 12 models in France will no longer increase their transmit power when the off-body state is detected, so coverage in areas where cellular signal is low may cause lower cellular performance in some use cases.
The iOS 17.1 update brings a number of other changes to the iOS 17 operating system, including an Apple Music favorites system, support for AirDrop over the internet, new options to see bank and card balances in the Wallet app, changes to the iPhone 15 Pro Action Button and more, with a full list available in our iOS 17.1 features guide.
The next-generation 24-inch iMac will likely be available with M2 and M2 Pro chip options, Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E support, and Bluetooth 5.3 support, according to a report today from Japanese blog Mac Otakara.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has repeatedly claimed that the next 24-inch iMac will be equipped with the M3 chip, so it's unclear if the information reported today is accurate. It is possible that Apple's plans have changed, but no other sources have indicated that the iMac will be updated with M2 and M2 Pro chips as of yet.
Mac Otakara notes that some custom 24-inch iMac configurations are facing up to one-month shipping delays on Apple's online store in the U.S., but this has been the case for a while now, and there is no guarantee that an iMac refresh is imminent.
Last month, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said it was unlikely that Apple would release any new MacBooks with the M3 chip this year, but a new iMac has not been ruled out this year. Apple is not expected to hold an event this October, so if there were to be a new iMac this month, it would likely be announced in a press release on Apple's website.
All in all, rumors about which chip the new iMac will have and when the computer will be released remain in a state of flux. The only certain thing is that October continues to roll along without any product announcements from Apple so far.
The current 24-inch iMac with the M1 chip was released in May 2021.
Plugable is a well-established company that is best known for its docking stations, but it makes all kinds of adapters, cables, hubs, chargers, and SSDs for Macs, PCs, and other devices. Just this month, Plugable released the aforementioned Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station as its latest dock product, and it has all of the latest technologies that you want for your Mac.
Available for $289.95, the Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station is equipped with a total of 11 ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, 4 10Gb/s USB-A ports (one of which can be used for charging accessories), an SD card slot, audio in/out, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a 2.5GB/s Ethernet port.
There's also a Thunderbolt 4 host port that provides 96W charging, which is enough power even for Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro. Dual 4K 60Hz displays are supported, or a single 8K 30Hz display (M1/M2 Pro/Max chips). The Thunderbolt ports can be used to charge accessories like iPhones and iPads at 15W with power distribution, so if you have two devices charging at 15W, your Mac will get 66W.
If you just need a few extra ports at an affordable price, the $33 USB-C 5-in-1 Hub Designed for MagSafe delivers. You'll need two USB-C ports to plug in this accessory, but it a cutout for the MagSafe port lets you continue to charge with the MagSafe port on Apple's MagSafe MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models.
The 5-in-1 Hub adds two 5Gb/s USB-A ports, a 40Gb/s USB-C port with up to 100W pass-through charging, a combination audio port, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. Up to a 6K 60Hz display is supported.
For charging Apple devices like the MacBook Pro, Plugable has the $50 140W USB-C GaN Power Adapter, which has the right output to fast charge all Apple devices up to the 16-inch MacBook Pro (note that you'll need Apple's MagSafe Cable for the 16-inch model). Because it's using GaN technology and a flip-out plug, this is a compact charger that's ideal for travel, and it's smaller than the power adapter that comes with the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
We have one amazing Plugable prize pack to give away to a MacRumors reader. It includes a 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station, the 5-in-1 USB-C Hub, and the 140W USB-C GaN Power Adapter. To enter to win, use the widget below and enter an email address. Email addresses will be used solely for contact purposes to reach the winner(s) and send the prize(s). You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on Twitter, following us on Instagram, or visiting the MacRumorsFacebook page.
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