MacRumors

The seventh-generation iPad mini appears to be in the works at Apple, according to the leaker known as "ShrimpApplePro."

In a thread of tweets that included details about the Apple Watch Series 9 and second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, the leaker said that they have seen evidence that at least one new iPad model is coming, likely the seventh-generation ‌iPad mini‌.

Earlier this year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that an update this year with a minor "spec bump" is not out of the question. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the seventh-generation ‌iPad mini‌ is most likely to begin mass production in the first quarter of 2024.

ShimpApplePro's mention of the next-generation ‌iPad mini‌ alongside information about the new Apple Watch models that are expected to launch in the fall may suggest that the small tablet's launch may be sooner rather than later, but the leaker added that they will share more details on the matter in due course.

Like the 11th-generation ‌iPad‌, a chip upgrade may be the most likely feature coming to the next ‌iPad mini‌ – an aspect supported by other reports. The ‌iPad mini‌ currently contains the A15 Bionic chip. By early 2024, the iPhone 15 and ‌iPhone 15‌ Pro are expected to be on sale touting the A16 Bionic and A17 Bionic, respectively, meaning that the ‌iPad mini‌ may be most likely to get one of these processors.

A minor spec bump could also include upgrades to the front and rear cameras, potentially bringing features like Photonic Engine to the ‌iPad‌ for the first time. ProRes video recording, Audio zoom, stereo audio recording, Portrait mode, and Portrait Lighting support are all plausible new features in this area.

The latest iPad Pro models brought connectivity upgrades like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 to the ‌iPad‌ for the first time. By 2024, it seems highly likely that these capabilities will make their way to the ‌iPad mini‌. It is also possible that Apple Pencil hover, another ‌iPad‌ Pro-exclusive feature, could finally trickle down to the ‌iPad mini‌ in its next incarnation, but little is currently known about exactly what the refreshed device will offer.

The upcoming Apple Watch Series 9 will feature the same design as the Series 8, with 41mm and 45mm case sizes, but a new pink color will be available for the aluminum model, according to info shared today by a previously-accurate leaker known as ShrimpApplePro.

Pink will be a fifth color option for the aluminum Series 9 alongside the existing Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED finishes, the leaker said. Apple already offers a pink finish for a few other devices, such as the latest iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad, and iMac, and the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are also rumored to be available in pink.

For Apple Watch Series 9 models with a stainless steel case, color options are said to remain Gold, Silver, and Graphite.

The leaker expects Apple Watch Series 9 models to be equipped with a new chip, which Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously said will be based on the A15 Bionic chip first used in the iPhone 13 models for improved performance.

Apple is expected to unveil the Apple Watch Series 9 in September alongside the iPhone 15 lineup and a second-generation Apple Watch Ultra. Series 9 models will ship in a smaller box compared to Series 8 models, the leaker added, as Apple continues to reduce the environmental footprint of its product packaging.

Air Canada today announced that its in-flight entertainment system now offers a selection of Apple TV+ shows for free on airplanes equipped with seat-back screens, allowing passengers to watch episodes of Ted Lasso, Severance, Foundation, The Morning Show, and other original content from the streaming service. Air Canada said it is the second airline in the world to offer in-flight Apple TV+ programming after American Airlines.

On the ground, Apple TV+ costs $8.99 per month or $89 annually in Canada. The streaming service is available in the Apple TV app across several devices and platforms, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV box, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Roku and Amazon Fire TV streaming sticks, and select smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony, and Vizio. Apple TV+ content can also be streamed on the web at tv.apple.com.

Air Canada's announcement was earlier reported by the blog iPhone in Canada.

Mophie has resolved the intermittent charging issues plaguing its 3-in-1 Travel Charger with MagSafe, and the accessory is now once again available to purchase on Apple and ZAGG's websites. The accessory was removed from both storefronts in mid July following widespread reports from users unable to get their iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch to hold a charge on the device.

According to a statement from Mophie, the company will send out a firmware update kit to all current owners of a defective Travel Charger within the next two weeks. If you do own the accessory, you should be receiving an email from Mophie soon with instructions on how to get the kit.

If you haven't heard from Mophie and have had issues with the Travel Charger, you can email travelcharger@mophie.com and speak to Mophie's customer service. The kit is free and only one kit is needed regardless of how many Travel Chargers you own. The kit comprises one USB-C dongle that plugs into the USB-C port at the base of the charger and should take no longer than two minutes to update.

Trouble with the Travel Charger began sometime in June, when users in Apple's discussions community and other forums began talking about charging issues with the accessory. Many users noticed that the device was not providing a consistent charge to anything sitting on it, be it an ‌iPhone‌, AirPods, or Apple Watch. Because of this, the Travel Charger was unavailable to purchase since mid July.

Now that the problem has been addressed, you can purchase the accessory once again from Apple or ZAGG for $149.95.

(Thanks, Jens!)

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

Apple today announced that it is working with Pixar, Adobe, Autodesk, NVIDIA, and Linux to promote and develop Pixar's 3D Universal Scene Description technology.

Open Universal Scene Description (OpenUSD) was created by Pixar Animation Studios as a 3D scene depiction technology that promises significant interoperability among tools, data, and workflows. It is widely recognized for its efficiency and ability simplifying cinematic content creation. Mike Rockwell, Apple's vice president of the Vision Products Group, commented:

OpenUSD will help accelerate the next generation of AR experiences, from artistic creation to content delivery, and produce an ever-widening array of spatial computing applications. Apple has been an active contributor to the development of USD, and it is an essential technology for the groundbreaking visionOS platform, as well as the new Reality Composer Pro developer tool. We look forward to fostering its growth into a broadly adopted standard.

The Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD) seeks to augment the functionalities of OpenUSD and encourage a high level of 3D tool and data interoperability. It will formulate written specifications to define the features of OpenUSD and promote widespread adoption, integration, and implementation of the technology. To learn more about the Alliance for OpenUSD, visit the organization's website.

Anker is introducing a number of new charging accessories in its higher-end Anker Prime lineup today, including multiple variants of wall chargers, desktop chargers, and power banks.

In the traditional wall charger category, Anker is launching two new options with GaN technology and folding prongs (U.S. versions only) to enable compact form factors. There's a 67-watt charger ($59.99 at Anker and Amazon) and a beefier 100-watt version ($84.99 at Anker and Amazon), with each one featuring a pair of USB-C ports and a USB-A port.

On each model, you can get the full 67 or 100 watts from either USB-C port, while the USB-A port can deliver up to 22.5 watts. Available power will, however, be divided among the ports if you have multiple accessories plugged in to charge.

Anker notes that the two models are each about half the size of their respective first-party Apple charger (67-watt and 96-watt) counterparts, while both products include the latest temperature control technology, insulated pins, and advanced chip technology for greater power efficiency.

If you need more charging power at a fixed location, the Anker Prime 240W GaN Desktop Charger ($199.99 at Anker and Amazon) offers three USB-C ports and a USB-A port. One of the USB-C ports can deliver up to 140 watts for the fastest possible charging of Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro models over Apple's USB-C to MagSafe cable. The other two USB-C ports can deliver up to 100 watts each while the USB-A port offers up to 22.5 watts of charging power.

For users who want a thin desktop charging option, the Anker Prime 6-in-1 Charging Station ($109.99 at Anker and Amazon) offers up to 140 watts of USB charging power across two USB-C and two USB-A ports, plus two additional power outlets, all in a package that's just 0.7 inches thick. A removable 5-foot cable gives you flexibility for placement, while the full 140-watt charging power can be routed through a single USB-C port for the fastest possible ‌MacBook Pro‌ charging. An integrated digital display also gives you a glanceable moment-by-moment look at the USB power draw.

For those who are looking for a combination of desktop and on-the-go charging with some of the latest bells and whistles, the Anker Prime Power Bank series pairs several portable power bank options with a wireless charging base that doubles as a desktop charger.

There are three Anker Prime power banks options coming in at 12,000 mAh at 130 watts for $89.99 (Anker and Amazon), 20,000 mAh at 200 watts for $129.99 (Anker and Amazon), and 27,650 mAh at 250 watts for $179.99 (Anker and Amazon). All three models support a new wireless charging base or can be recharged through their USB-C ports, and they all feature smart displays to provide information on current charge state, estimated time remaining or until full recharge, and current output wattage.

The 130-watt model supports 65-watt input and output with a pair of USB-C ports, while the 200-watt model supports up to 100 watts of input and output with two USB-C ports and a USB-A port. The 250-watt model supports a maximum of 140 watts input and output through a single port with a pair of USB-C ports and a USB-A port.

The 100W Charging Base can deliver 100 watts of charging power through its pogo-pin connector to recharge any of the new Anker Prime power banks, while three additional ports integrated into the side of the charging base can charge additional devices. There are two USB-C ports (one at 100 watts and one at 30 watts) and a USB-A port with up to 22.5 watts of charging power. As with the other chargers, the maximum 100-watt charging power will be divided among the various outputs based on what is connected.

The charging base sells for $69.99 on its own at Anker and Amazon or comes as part of a bundle with the 250-watt power bank model for $219.99, saving you $30 over purchasing the two items separately.

The 240W Desktop Charger and the 250W Power Bank are going up for pre-order, while the rest of the new products are launching today in the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany with the exception of the 6-in-1 Charging Station, which is U.S.-only. Some of the new products currently have clippable 10% off coupons at both Anker and Amazon.

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

Apple's main OLED supplier Samsung has received mass production approval for the displays for all four models in Apple's iPhone 15 series, which are expected to be released in September.

Korean-language based The Elec reports that Samsung Display was granted approval on August 1, ahead of rivals LG Display and BOE. LG Display, which is supplying OLED panels for both iPhone 15 Pro models, has received conditional approval for the smaller iPhone 15 Pro, with formal approval for the iPhone 15 Pro Max expected in a month or two. BOE, which is supplying OLED displays for the standard iPhone 15 and larger iPhone 15 Plus, is still awaiting conditional approval from Apple.

Rumors have suggested that the ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max will have slimmer bezels than the iPhone 14 Pro models, and that this decrease in bezel size is creating manufacturing issues. LG Display in particular is said to have had setbacks in implementing the smaller bezels, and both LG and BOE have faced difficulties in adding cutouts for the Dynamic Island, with the latter supplier highly likely to miss shipments for the rest of the year as a result. BOE has subsequently had to hand over initial OLED shipments to Samsung, which is now expected to achieve higher shipments in 2023 than previously expected.

Although LG Display did not receive mass production approval in time, industry observers have suggested LG's losses may be limited due to other production disruptions that have occurred on the camera module supply side. Image sensors for the iPhone 15 series are being mainly supplied by Sony, while the folded zoom components for the Periscope lens on the Pro Max model are coming from LG Innotek. However, the production yield of both components is said to have fallen below expectations.

According to the report, Apple is likely to be prioritizing production of the 6.1-inch Pro model over the 6.7-inch Pro Max, which is currently experiencing the most production disruption, in order to guarantee a 50-60% supply of Pro models this year. Despite the disruptions, a report from The Information suggests Apple will still release all iPhone 15 models in September as expected, although there could be a limited number of iPhone 15 Pro Max devices available in the first weeks after launch.

Apple today seeded the second betas of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 to public beta testers, allowing non-developers to test the software ahead of its launch. The second beta comes a little over two weeks after the first beta. The second public beta features the same content that's in the fourth developer beta released last week, although Apple has also seeded a revised version of that developer beta today.

In addition to iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, new public betas of tvOS 17, watchOS 10, and HomePod software 17 are also available.

Public beta testers who have signed up for Apple's beta testing program can download the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 updates by opening up the Settings app, going to General, tapping on the Software Update section and toggling on the iOS 17 Public Beta option.

iOS 17 adds a new StandBy option for the iPhone, allowing it to serve as an information hub when it is in a horizontal position and connected to a charger. StandBy mode displays the time, Live Activities, incoming notifications, and tons of widgets.

Speaking of widgets, widgets you use on the Lock Screen and Home Screen are interactive, so you can do things like control a smart light or check off a Reminder without opening an app. Autocorrect is smarter than before, and it's easier to correct mistakes with a quick tap.

AirDrop has a new NameDrop feature for quickly sharing contact information with a person nearby, and the Phone app has customizable Contact Posters that let you choose what people see when you call them.

Live Voicemail shows the voicemail that someone is leaving right on your Lock Screen so you can pick up if it's important, and the Messages app has a refined look and a Check-In feature that's meant to help you get to your destination safely.

FaceTime supports video messages so you can leave a video voicemail if someone misses a call, plus you can use it on the Apple TV. Safari has a locked private browsing window and a password sharing feature, and better tracking prevention. The Maps app now works offline, the Photos app can recognize your pets, and Visual Look Up works with food, symbols, videos, and more.

There's a new mood tracking feature available in the Health app, and later this year, Apple also plans to add a journaling app.

For a complete overview of all of the new features in iOS 17, we have a dedicated iOS 17 roundup. iPadOS 17 also has some iPad-only features like a revamped Lock Screen, with details available in our separate iPadOS 17 roundup.

Apple has also released new public betas of tvOS 17 and watchOS 10.

Apple today provided the second beta of the upcoming macOS Sonoma update to its public beta testing group, allowing non-developers to test the new operating system ahead of its fall launch. The new beta comes a little over two weeks after Apple released the first beta.

In addition to the new public beta, Apple has also released a revised version of the fourth developer beta, presumably to address issues that were resulting in installation problems for some users following last week's developer release.

Public beta testers can download the macOS 14 Sonoma update from the Software Update section of the System Preferences app after signing up on Apple's beta testing website and opting into the public beta under the Beta Updates section.

macOS Sonoma introduces interactive widgets for the desktop, making widgets more useful and more prominent. You can even use your iPhone widgets on your Mac's desktop through a new Continuity feature.

There are updated screensavers that are similar to the high-resolution animated screensavers available on the Apple TV, and for video calls and presenting, there's a Presenter Overlay option that lets you move, walk, and talk in front of content you're sharing from your Mac.

Safari supports web apps so you can add your favorite websites to your Dock, plus there are new Profiles to separate your work browsing and personal browsing. iCloud Keychain supports sharing passwords with others, and private browsing windows are locked when they are not in use.

Enhanced AutoFill is available for PDFs so you can quickly fill in information like names, addresses, and emails, plus users can collaborate on PDFs and see real-time updates through the Notes app.

For more on what's new in macOS Sonoma, including a new Game mode, we have a detailed macOS Sonoma roundup that highlights all of the features in the update.

Apple is one of several tech companies on Disney's radar as the media giant looks for a strategic partner to help expand distribution of ESPN, according to the New York Post. However, the report does not indicate if Disney has actually held discussions with Apple, and there are a few reasons why a sports partnership between the companies is unlikely.

First, the report says that the idea of an ESPN app being preloaded on the iPhone would be appealing to Disney, but Apple has not offered a built-in iPhone app for a third-party brand since YouTube was removed as a pre-installed app on iOS 6 in 2012.

Second, ESPN is currently only available through cable and satellite TV packages, which does not make it a fit to be streamed through the Apple TV app. The report claims that Disney is looking to make the sports network available on an à-la-carte basis as early as 2025, but that timeframe likely rules out any imminent partnership.

Apple has instead been focusing on acquiring global rights to live sports content to stream through the Apple TV app and on its Apple TV+ streaming service. For example, Apple reached a 10-year partnership with MLS to stream all matches worldwide.

Apple and Disney already have a close relationship, with Disney CEO Bob Iger having appeared on stage at WWDC 2023 to announce that Disney+ will be available on Apple's Vision Pro headset at launch. Iger also served on Apple's board of directors from 2011 to 2019, and he was friends with Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. As of now, however, any partnership between the two companies involving ESPN appears unlikely.

Back to school season is already upon us, and in order to prepare students for a return to school we're collecting all of the best back to school sales from popular Apple-related accessory companies. These include Anker, AT&T, ZAGG, Belkin, and more, with plenty of discounts to make a dent in your shopping list.

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.

Office Depot/OfficeMax

Office Depot and OfficeMax are providing the usual yearly discounts on all of the biggest back to school necessities, with up to 60 percent off popular school supplies like tablets, calculators, pens, lunch boxes, planners, and more.

Anker

Anker is discounting a big selection of portable batteries and charging stations this week, with savings spread across Amazon and Anker's own website. Many of the deals you'll find below require you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the discount.

The highlight this time around is Anker's PowerCore 24,000 mAh Charger with Smart Digital Display. It's available for $99.99 with an on-page coupon at both Amazon and Anker, which is down from $159.99 and a new all-time low price on this accessory.

In addition to all the charging deals below, Amazon has Anker's SoundCore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $29.99, down from $39.99. There's also the SoundCore Motion Boom Plus for $149.99, down from $179.99.

Portable Batteries

• PowerCore 10,000 mAh - $17.59 with on-page coupon, down from $21.98
• PowerCore 20,000 mAh - $31.99 with on-page coupon, down from $41.99
• PowerCore 24,000 mAh with Smart Digital Display - $99.99 with on-page coupon, down from $159.99 [matched at Anker]
• PowerCore Reserve 60,000 mAh with Retractable Light - $144.49 with on-page coupon, down from $169.99
• PowerCore 26,000 mAh - $149.99 with on-page coupon, down from $169.99

Hubs and Charging Stations

• 7-in-1 USB-C Power Strip - $45.99 with on-page coupon, down from $65.99
• 11-in-1 USB-C Hub - $62.99 with on-page coupon, down from $99.99
• MagGo Magnetic Charging Station - $70.00 with on-page coupon, down from $99.99
• 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe Charging - $127.46 with on-page coupon, down from $149.95 [matched at Anker]
• 3-in-1 MagSafe Station - $103.99, down from $139.99

ZAGG

At ZAGG, if you buy one smartphone or tablet case, you can get a second one for free. All you need to do is shop for two cases on ZAGG's website, add both to your cart, and the promo will automatically activate.

This sale covers a wide array of protective cases for iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPad, and iPad Pro. There are also quite a few older generation iPhone cases to choose from.

AT&T

As it has in years past, AT&T has quite a few back to school promotions happening right now, including the iPhone 14 family of devices for up to $1,000 off select models. This deal is applicable to iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

You'll need to trade in an eligible smartphone, pick or upgrade to an unlimited AT&T wireless plan, and purchase the new smartphone on a qualifying installment agreement. This deal is available for both new and existing AT&T customers.

In terms of credits, you'll get up to $1,000 in bill credits with smartphone trade-in value of $240 or higher, up to $700 in bill credits with smartphone trade-in value of $130 to $239, and up to $350 in bill credits with smartphone trade-in value of $35 to $129.

AT&T's back to school discount event also has savings on smartwatches, accessories, tablets, laptops, and more.

Best Buy

Best Buy's back to school event has a huge variety of accessories for students returning to school or college. You'll find discounts on laptops, monitors, TVs, coffee makers, and more.

• Ocushield Blue Light Glasses - Save 10 percent
• Satechi USB-C Monitor Stand - $59.99, down from $99.99
• Keurig K-Slim - $79.99, down from $129.99
• Sony Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones - $129.99, down from $149.99
• 14-inch Chromebook - $149.00, down from $299.00
• LG 32-inch LED Smart TV - $169.99, down from $179.99
• Hisense 55-inch LED 4K Smart TV - $269.99, down from $349.99
• LG 35-inch LED Curved Monitor - $349.99, down from $599.99

Belkin

Belkin has up to 25 percent off wall chargers, docks, MagSafe-compatible accessories, and more with the code BTS23 used at checkout. You can find the full list of accessories on Belkin's website.

ESR

ESR has a collection of discounts available this back to school season, starting with up to 40 percent off select accessories with the code AFF40 and 30 percent off iPhone and iPad accessories with the code BACK30. This includes protective cases, screen protectors, and more for iPhone and iPad.

You can also get 20 percent off MagSafe accessories and keyboard cases with the code BACK20 on ESR's website.

More Sales

• B&H Photo - Save on Mac mini, MacBook Pro, and more
• eBay - Save up to 65% on popular brands
• JBL - Save on Bluetooth speakers and earbuds
• Newegg - Save on desktop computers, memory, mice, and more
• Pad & Quill - Save up to 50% on Apple Watch Bands, desk accessories, iPad cases, and more

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

Along with major additions like StandBy mode, Live Voicemail, Contact Posters, and NameDrop, there are dozens if not hundreds of smaller, lesser known features that Apple is adding in iOS 17.

In our latest YouTube video, we rounded up a list of 15 features in iOS 17 that you might not know about, from changes to Visual Look Up to AirTag sharing to new functionality in Messages, Reminders, and Photos. It can be hard to keep up with what's been added in iOS 17, but we're dedicated to making sure you don't miss any iOS 17 changes.

Make sure to watch the video up above to see the features in action, and for even more on what's new in iOS 17, we have a comprehensive iOS 17 roundup that outlines all of the changes coming in the update.

Today we're tracking a few deals on the 40mm GPS Apple Watch SE, which is available for $219.00 on Amazon, down from $249.00. Along with this model, Amazon has low prices on nearly every other configuration of the 2022 Apple Watch SE, including cellular models.

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.

For the 40mm GPS model, you can get all three colors at this price: Starlight Aluminum, Silver Aluminum, and Midnight Aluminum. Additionally, each color has both S/M and M/L sizes in stock and on sale, with delivery dates as soon as August 2 for many models. Overall, this is a solid second-best price.

The 44mm GPS model is on sale for $249.00, down from $279.00. Like the smaller model, this one is available in all three colors and various band sizes with a delivery date around August 1-5 for the fastest options. It's another second-best price.

Moving to cellular models, the 40mm cellular Apple Watch SE has hit $269.00 on Amazon, down from $299.00. Discounts on both cellular models have been more rare than the GPS versions of the Apple Watch SE, so this is a great opportunity to purchase the wearable at its lowest price.

Lastly, the 44mm cellular Apple Watch SE is available for $299.00 in all three colors, down from $329.00.

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

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has updated its official app on Apple's App Store to conform with the new branding that was announced last weekend by billionaire owner Elon Musk.

Instead of "Let's talk" – Twitter's original tagline – "Blaze your glory!" is the curious subtitle on X's iOS App Store listing, which describes the app as "the trusted digital town square for everyone."

The new logo and name are meant to reflect Musk's longstanding intention to transform the social media network into an "everything app" similar to China's WeChat.

The rebranding process that has taken place over the last week has been piecemeal to say the least, with various aspects of the platform's online experience still containing vestigial references to Twitter.

The app icon was replaced earlier last week, but the app's name change is believed to have taken longer than usual because Apple dithered on whether to allow it. App Store policy doesn't permit an app to have a single character title on its App Store listing, as pointed out by Nick Sheriff.

Apparently X received special treatment from Apple, which is more than Musk got when he ordered the Twitter signage to be replaced at the company's headquarters in San Francisco last week. Five letters were taken down from the office's large vertical sign before work was interrupted by police who were concerned about the lack of safety measures to protect pedestrians walking beneath the operation.

A giant pulsing X has since been erected on the roof of the building, and that has also drawn the ire of city officials after neighbors complained it was intrusive.

The X branding has been criticized by some commentators for being uninspired, as well as for the letter's long association with porn websites. The new name for the social media platform also means that Twitter Blue is now called "X Blue," which could be doubly suggestive of lewd content. The subscription service allows users to upload up to three hours of video, up from the previous two-hour limit.

Twitter/X CEO Linda Yaccarino said the platform will be powered by AI and offer users "unlimited interactivity – centered in audio, video, messaging, payments/banking – creating a global marketplace for ideas, goods, services, and opportunities... X will connect us all in ways we're just beginning to imagine."

Apple could potentially offer its upcoming second-generation Apple Watch Ultra in a new darker color option that it originally tested for last year's model but ultimately canceled, according to well-connected Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman.

Apple does not offer case color options for the current Apple Watch Ultra, but the company reportedly considered offering the premium device in a "dark titanium" version. Gurman claims Apple went so far as to test the color, but in the final analysis decided against the option because the designers didn't like it.

However, Gurman claims the dark color option could still "theoretically" be on the table for this year's model, presumably thanks to the popularity of the current device. Apple already offers its Apple Watch Series 8 and SE models in several case color options.

According to rumors, the second-generation version of the Apple Watch Ultra could also potentially be lighter than the first-generation model. Weibo user Setsuna Digital claims that the new Apple Watch Ultra will have a reduced weight, which could be due to the 3D printed components Apple is rumored to be using.

• Bespoke Apple Watch Ultra in Anodized Blue Sold by Arizona Jeweler

Apple is working on a new S9 chip based on the same technology found in the A15 chip used in the iPhone 13, ‌iPhone‌ 14, and other devices. The chip will reportedly be used in the standard upcoming Apple Watch Series 9 and the next Apple Watch Ultra.

Apple is expected to announce its new Apple Watch models in September alongside its rumored iPhone 15 lineup.

Apple is shrinking the bezels on its upcoming iPhone 15 Pro models using a special manufacturing process, and the company also plans to use the same technology to reduce screen borders on future iPads, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman.

Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says Apple is using low-injection pressure over-molding, or LIPO, to shrink the display border size on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max to 1.5 millimeters (versus around 2.2 millimeters on current iPhones).

Provided that Apple can overcome reported manufacturing issues, this could mean the iPhone 15 Pro models will have the thinnest bezels of any smartphone currently on the market, and Apple is apparently keen to replicate an equivalent achievement with its iPads, too.

As noted by Gurman, Apple first used LIPO on the Apple Watch Series 7 to make the device's borders thinner and increase the size of the display. If Gurman's source is accurate, LIPO is set to follow the same product trajectory as OLED display technology, which went from Apple Watch to iPhone, with OLED iPads expected to launch next year. However, which iPad model will be first to benefit from the LIPO process, and when it will arrive, remains unclear.

According to iPhone rumors, the bezels on all four iPhone 15 models are expected to be slightly curved around the edges, similar to the iPhone 11 series. Most rumors have claimed only the Pro models will have a bezel reduction this year, but a previously-accurate leaker has shared an image showing that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus might have slightly thinner bezels as well.

Apple is expected to announce its next iPhone lineup in September as usual. For all the latest rumors, be sure to read our dedicated iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro roundups.

Apple has acknowledged a bug with its parental controls feature Screen Time on the iPhone and iPad, and promises it will take additional steps to remedy the situation, according to a report this weekend from The Wall Street Journal.

Screen Time provides parents with settings to remotely manage a child's device, allowing them to restrict device usage to certain times, set time limits for apps, and block inappropriate content. However, some parents have complained that Screen Time settings sometimes reset or fail to sync across all devices within a Family Sharing group.

"We are aware that some users may be experiencing an issue where Screen Time settings are unexpectedly reset," an Apple spokesperson said, in a statement shared with The Wall Street Journal. "We take these reports very seriously and we have been, and will continue, making updates to improve the situation."

Apple already fixed an issue with Screen Time settings failing to stick with iOS 16.5, released in May, but the report claims that some parents have continued to experience the issue on devices updated to iOS 16.6 and the iOS 17 public beta. It's unclear when Apple plans to roll out additional improvements to Screen Time.

Screen Time launched in 2018 as part of iOS 12, providing parents with a built-in option for the type of controls that previously required third-party apps.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 15 lineup in September. As usual, many new features have been rumored for the Pro and Pro Max models, including a USB-C port, A17 Bionic chip, titanium frame, Action button, and more.

Below, we have recapped 12 new features and changes rumored for the iPhone 15 Pro models.

• A17 Bionic chip: iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to be equipped with Apple's next-generation A17 Bionic chip, manufactured based on TSMC's 3nm process for continued performance and efficiency improvements. The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to have an A16 Bionic chip.
• Titanium frame: Like the Apple Watch Ultra, the iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to have a titanium frame instead of stainless steel.
• Ultra-thin bezels: Similar to recent Apple Watch models, the iPhone 15 Pro is rumored to have ultra-thin curved bezels around the display.
• USB-C port: iPhone 15 Pro models will feature a USB-C port with support for at least USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, which would result in the devices having significantly faster data transfer speeds with a cable compared to existing iPhones with Lightning. Kuo said the USB-C port on standard iPhone 15 models will remain limited to USB 2.0 speeds like Lightning.
• Wi-Fi 6E: Like the latest Macs and iPad Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro will support Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds, according to a leaked schematic.
• Increased RAM: iPhone 15 Pro models will be equipped with an increased 8GB of RAM, according to Taiwanese research firm TrendForce, while the standard models will likely continue to have 6GB of RAM as they do currently. Additional RAM can allow apps like Safari to keep more content active in the background, preventing the app from reloading content when reopened.
• Action button: iPhone 15 Pro models are rumored to be equipped with a customizable Action button like the Apple Watch Ultra. The button would replace the Ring/Silent switch that has been included on every iPhone model since 2007. Users would likely be able to assign the button to various system functions, such as Ring/Silent, Do Not Disturb, Flashlight, Low Power Mode, and more.
• Increased optical zoom for iPhone 15 Pro Max: The iPhone 15 Pro Max will feature a periscope telephoto lens, according to Kuo. This could result in the device having up to 5x-6x optical zoom, compared to 3x on iPhone 14 Pro models.
• Ultra Wideband improvements: iPhone 15 models will likely have an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip (currently called the U1 chip) for improved integration with Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset, according to Kuo. The new chip could also offer improved performance or reduced power consumption for location-based functions such as AirDrop and Precision Finding in the Find My app.
• LiDAR Scanner improvements: iPhone 15 Pro models will have a more power-efficient LiDAR Scanner supplied by Sony, which could improve 3D depth scanning performance for AR apps and Night mode photos, according to Kuo.
• More repairable design: Following in the footsteps of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro is expected to have a more repairable design.
• eSIM-only in more countries: iPhone 15 Pro models could be compatible with eSIMs only in France and potentially other countries. Apple first removed the physical SIM card tray from iPhone 14 models in the U.S. last year.

With over a month to go until the iPhone 15 lineup is unveiled, additional features could be rumored, so keep tabs on our iPhone 15 Pro roundup.