Apple today released Rapid Security Response (RSR) updates that are available for iPhone and iPad users running the iOS and iPadOS 16.5.1 updates and the macOS Ventura 13.4.1 update.
Rapid Security Response updates are designed to provide iOS and macOS users with security fixes without the need to install a full software update. Today's updates address an actively exploited WebKit vulnerability, so it is a good idea to update as soon as possible.
iOS Security Response 16.5.1 is available through the standard Software Update mechanism in the iPhone or iPad Settings app, but is a quick update, requiring just a couple of minutes to download the update and then a quick restart for the install process. The macOS update can be installed through System Settings.
Once the Rapid Security Response update is installed, iOS 16.5.1 users and macOS Ventura 13.4.1 users will see an updated version of the software, and tapping on the version in the About section of Settings will display information about the installed OS version and the Rapid Security Response update. Those who want to disable Rapid Security Response updates on iPhone can do so by following our how to. The updates can also be disabled on the Mac.
Apple has been testing the Rapid Security Response feature since last year, with RSRs first introduced with the launch of iOS 16 and macOS Ventura.
Apple today seeded the fifth beta of macOS Ventura 13.5 to developers for testing purposes, with the beta introduced two weeks after the release of the fourth beta.
Registered developers can download the beta through the Apple Developer Center and after the appropriate profile is installed, with the betas available through the Software Update mechanism in System Settings.
No notable features have been found in macOS 13.5, so it's not yet clear what's included in the update.
With macOS Sonoma now in development and slated for launch this fall, Apple's work on macOS 13 will soon be wrapping up. macOS 13.5 is likely to be one of the final updates to macOS Ventura.
Apple today seeded the fifth betas of upcoming iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming two weeks after the release of the fourth betas.
Registered developers can opt in to the betas by opening up the Settings app, going to Software Update, tapping on the “Beta Updates” option and toggling on the iOS 16 Developer Beta. Note that an Apple ID associated with a developer account is required to download and install the beta.
iOS 16.6 and iPadOS 16.6 may lay the groundwork for iMessage Contact Key Verification. The feature is meant to let Apple device owners verify that they are messaging with the people they intend to message rather than a malicious entity that has intercepted a message or is eavesdropping on a conversation.
In the first beta, hints of iMessage Contact Key were available, but the option was not fully enabled and the references have since been removed, so it remains unclear if this is something we can expect to see in iOS 16.6.
Apple today seeded the fifth beta of an upcoming watchOS 9.6 update to developers for testing purposes, with the software update coming two weeks after the release of the fourth beta.
To install the watchOS 9.6 update, developers will need to download the configuration profile from the Apple Developer Center.
Once installed, watchOS 9.6 can be downloaded through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software update. To update to new software, an Apple Watch needs to have 50 percent battery life, it has to be placed on the charger, and it will need to be in range of the iPhone it is paired with.
It is not yet known if there are new features in the watchOS 9.6 update, but we did not find anything in the first beta. This is expected to be one of the final updates to the watchOS 9 operating system as Apple has shifted its work to watchOS 10, the next-generation version of watchOS.
Apple today seeded the fifth beta of an upcoming tvOS 16.6 update to developers for testing purposes, with the beta coming two weeks after the release of the fourth beta.
Registered developers are able to download the tvOS 16.6 update by downloading a profile on the Apple TV using Xcode.
tvOS updates are usually minor, focusing on internal bug fixes and improvements rather than notable outward-facing changes. There is no word as of yet what's included in the tvOS 16.6 update, but we'll update this article if we find anything new.
Apple shares some information on tvOS releases in its tvOS support document, which is updated after each tvOS launch.
Though we don't often know what's new in tvOS during the beta testing process, we let MacRumors readers know when new updates are available so those who are developers can download it upon release.
Porsche today announced an updated My Porsche App that adds new vehicle functionality to the CarPlay experience in Porsche vehicles. With the app integration, audio, climate, comfort, lighting, and entertainment functions can be controlled directly in CarPlay.
According to Porsche, car owners can use the combined My Porsche App and CarPlay feature to do things like change radio stations, control the in-car temperature, and adjust the lighting. The car model shows up through CarPlay, and there are wellness modes like "relax," "warm up," and "refresh" that can be activated using the CarPlay quick actions feature.
All of the available vehicle functions can be controlled using Siri voice commands for hands-free adjustments when driving.
Porsche owners can activate the feature by scanning a QR code displayed in the PCM, and new CarPlay functions will be made available to Porsche owners as they are developed. The first vehicle to support the new My Porsche App and CarPlay integration is the Porsche Cayenne, which is available now. The updated app will be rolled out to other model lines in the future.
Note that while Porsche is using a clever app integration to allow for vehicle functions to be controlled through CarPlay, this is not the next-generation CarPlay experience that Apple has in development.
Apple last year previewed a range of new CarPlay functions that are in the works, including multi-screen support and CarPlay controls for vehicle functions. The next-generation CarPlay will be available only in new vehicles, and the first that support the updated CarPlay experience are expected later this year.
We've been tracking all of the best deals you can get during Prime Day this year, and this includes a new all-time low price on the 13.3-inch M1 MacBook Air from 2020.
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.
You can get the 256GB M1 MacBook Air for $749.99, down from $999.00 today on Amazon. It's available in all three colors of Gold, Silver, and Space Gray at this price, with an estimated delivery date of July 11 for Prime members.
There are many internal and external differences between the 13.3-inch M1 MacBook Air and the newer 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch M2 MacBook Air models, but as an entry-level computer the M1 device should work great for common tasks, especially at this Prime Day pricing. You can read our guide to get a better look at all the similarities and differences between the generations.
Remember that you'll need an Amazon Prime membership to get Prime Day deals. You can sign up for Prime on Amazon if you don't have the service yet.
Beats has collaborated for a third time with fragment design founder Hiroshi Fujiwara for a monochromatic limited-edition version of Beats Fit Pro earbuds.
The two new white and black pairs of Beats Fit Pro are available now from Apple, SSENSE, END, and more, and are priced at $199.99.
First released in November 2021, the Beats Fit Pro feature flexible wingtips for a more secure fit in the ear. The fitness-oriented earbuds have a similar design and features as the AirPods Pro, including silicone ear tips, active noise cancellation with a "Transparency" mode, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, an H1 chip for one-tap pairing and automatic switching between Apple devices, hands-free "Hey Siri" support, and more.
Beats and Fujiwara have collaborated on several previous projects, including limited-edition Powerbeats Pro and Beats Flex in a similar design scheme back in 2021.
Apple has shared two new ads on its YouTube channel, one promoting the long battery life of the iPhone 14 Plus and the other using the iPhone 14 Pro to highlight Apple's Crash Detection feature.
The first one-minute ad, "Battery for Miles," depicts a man slowly driving a tractor as he tows a gigantic pumpkin along a long, straight road seemingly in the middle of nowhere. "Two Miles An Hour" by Ludacris plays in the background.
Mounted in front of his steering wheel is an iPhone 14 Plus running Apple Maps, which tells him "In 102 miles, continue straight." After the man briefly raises an eyebrow, the tagline appears: "Our longest lasting battery life ever. Relax, it's iPhone 14 Plus."
In the second ad, "Crash Test," a car crash test takes place in a hangar, to the tune of "You Can't Hurt Me No More" by Gene Chandler. The collision occurs in slow motion and tracks a crash test dummy, until the vehicle comes to a rest.
Mounted on the dash is an iPhone 14 Pro with a display that reads "It looks like you've been in a crash." Then the tagline reads: "Crash Detection can sense a severe car crash and automatically call 911. Relax, it's iPhone 14 Pro."
At this point, customers interested in purchasing a new iPhone should consider waiting for the iPhone 15 series, which is expected to launch in September. Various changes are expected for the next iPhones, including Dynamic Island for all models, USB-C instead of Lightning, and a Periscope lens for at least one of the Pro models. Check out our dedicated iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro guides for all the details.
Apple is experimenting with larger iMacs, including a model with around a 32-inch display, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said these iMacs are still in early development, so he does not expect them to launch until late 2024 or at some point in 2025 at the earliest.
Gurman previously said Apple was developing a larger iMac with over a 30-inch display, and he has now specified that the display will be around the same 32-inch size as Apple's high-end Pro Display XDR monitor. Released in December 2019, the Pro Display XDR has 6K resolution for Retina-quality content and starts at $4,999.
Apple discontinued the Intel-based 27-inch iMac and iMac Pro over the past few years, and has yet to launch a larger-screen iMac with an Apple silicon chip as a replacement. Instead, Apple offers the 27-inch Studio Display, which can be connected to the Mac Studio or another Mac with Apple silicon, but this is not an all-in-one solution like the iMac.
For now, the 24-inch iMac is the only all-in-one computer sold by Apple. The current model with the M1 chip was released in April 2021, and Gurman expects an updated model with a faster M3 chip to launch by early next year. All current Apple silicon chips are manufactured based on TSMC's 5nm process, while the M3 chip is expected to move to a 3nm process for significant performance and power efficiency improvements.
Apple has moved on to a new round of developer beta testing for iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and related updates, and the public beta program open to everyone should be kicking off very soon.
The next iPhone launch is also just two months away now, and we're continuing to hear rumors about what to expect from the next-generation models, while we've heard more this week about a rumored iPhone SE 4 and an upcoming external Mac monitor that could double as a smart home display.
Finally, Meta this week launched its Twitter competitor known as Threads, and it's seen rapid uptake thanks to its integration with Instagram. Read on for all the details on this week's biggest stories!
The first public beta of iOS 17 will be available later this month, according to Apple, and the software update will be released for all users with an iPhone XS and newer in September. Read our in-depth iOS 17 roundup to learn more about the update and new features.
Apple also released the third developer betas of iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17 this week.
iPhone 15 Pro Expected to Come in Blue
The iPhone 15 Pro models set to be introduced this September will be available in a unique dark blue color that has a gray tone, according to leaker Unknownz21.
Available in a new titanium material, the blue shade will have a brushed finish that is unlike the stainless steel Apple has used in the past. The color is similar to the blue Apple used for the iPhone 12 Pro models, but it appears to be darker and with more gray to better complement the titanium finish. Check out our article for renderings we created to demonstrate the new color.
iPhone 15 Pro Max Predicted to Be More Expensive Than Previous Model
One reason the Pro Max might be more expensive this year is the device's rumored periscope lens, which is expected to enable up to 5-6x optical zoom, compared to the current limit of 3x. The regular 15 Pro is not expected to have a periscope lens.
Meta's Twitter Alternative 'Threads' Now Available
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said that Apple is developing multiple new monitor offerings, some of which are likely to be successors to its Studio Display and Pro Display XDR, and one that could have smart standby features powered by an onboard iOS chip.
The latest word about the fourth-generation iPhone SE comes from UBI Research analyst Dae-Jeong Yoon, who this week said that mass production of the device has been delayed until some point in 2025.
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.
The iPhone 15 Pro models that are set to be introduced this September will be available in a unique dark blue color that has a gray tone, according to Unknownz21, a source that has provided multiple details on what we can expect from the next-generation iPhones and accurate information on other Apple devices like the Vision Pro.
Available in a new titanium material, the blue shade will have a brushed finish that is unlike the stainless steel that Apple has had in the past. The color is similar to the blue that Apple used for the iPhone 12 Pro models, but it appears to be darker and with more gray to better complement the titanium finish. We've created a series of images that show the expected blue shade.
Blue is expected to accompany silver, space gray/space black, and titanium gray shades, with the latter color a lighter silver-gray than the space gray/space black shade.
We've seen multiple rumors of a deep red color for the iPhone 15 Pro models, but Unknownz21 has not seen signs that this color is in development. The blue color, however, has been used on iPhone 15 Pro prototype devices, suggesting that the blue could be the final color that Apple is working on.
There is always a chance that Apple is using the blue to test PVD coating on the new titanium material and will transition to a different color the launch version of the iPhone 15 Pro, but the blue being used for prototyping likely indicates that it is one of the color options that Apple plans to provide for the next-generation smartphones. MacRumors has seen extensive evidence confirming that Apple has used the blue color for prototype versions of the iPhone 15 Pro.
As for the iPhone 15 models, colors that we know of so far include a bright pink shade, a bright blue, and a green color.
When it comes to design, the iPhone 15 Pro models will look similar to the iPhone 14 Pro models, but with some minor design tweaks. Slimmer bezels around the display are expected, and the mute switch will be replaced by a multi-function mute button. There will be a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, and the volume and power buttons could be in slightly different locations.
The camera lens layout will see an update on the iPhone 15 Pro Max to accommodate the periscope lens that's exclusive to that device, and with the new titanium frame finish that's less shiny, the iPhone 15 Pro models will stand out compared to the iPhone 14 Pro models.
For more on what to expect from the iPhone 15 Pro, we have a complete iPhone 15 Pro roundup where we highlight all of the rumors we've heard so far.
Apple's iPhone 15 lineup is expected to be announced in around two months. A growing pool of rumors about the devices present an increasingly clear picture of what to expect: The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are set to gain the Dynamic Island, the A16 Bionic chip, a USB-C port in place of Lightning, and support for 15W wireless charging with third-party chargers. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to offer even further upgrades with features like a new titanium frame, thinner bezels, the A17 Bionic chip, a new periscope telephoto camera with 6x optical zoom on the Pro Max, and a mute button in place of the existing switch. The Pro models could also see a price increase compared to their predecessors.
Apple suppliers will begin mass production of new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models with OLED displays in the first quarter of 2024, according to research firm Omdia. The information was shared in a report from Korean website The Elec.
Benefits of OLED technology for iPad Pro displays would include increased brightness, higher contrast ratio, greater color accuracy, and lower power consumption compared to existing models with LCD panels. Apple already uses OLED displays for the latest iPhone and Apple Watch models, excluding the lower-end iPhone SE.
iPad Pro models released in 2017 and later support ProMotion, allowing for a variable refresh rate between 24Hz and 120Hz. The switch to OLED would likely allow for the refresh rate to drop down even further to 10Hz or lower to save battery life. iPhone 14 Pro models can reach as low as 1Hz while in always-on display mode.
Apple will reportedly be using very thin hybrid OLED displays with a combination of flexible and rigid materials, which could allow for the iPad Pro to have a slightly thinner design. The panels will be costly to manufacture, according to Ross Young of Display Supply Chain Consultants, so the next iPad Pro models will likely be more expensive.
The current iPad Pro models were released in October 2022 and feature Apple's M2 chip, support for faster Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, and hover functionality for the second-generation Apple Pencil. iPad Pro updates are often around a year and a half apart, so an early 2024 launch for the next models would make sense.
iPad Pro display sizes are expected to see a slight increase from 11 and 12.9 inches currently to 11.1 and 13 inches with the next models.
Omdia expects the first MacBook Pro with an OLED display to be released in 2027.
The luxury $60,000 record player is the first non-Apple hardware project Ive is known to have been involved in since he and four other colleagues left the company in 2019 to found the design firm LoveFrom.
The premium piece of audio technology features many of the classic hallmarks of an Ive-approved product, right down to the smoothed off aluminum edges, circular elements, and neutral, minimalist aesthetic.
Speaking to Fast Company, Ive said he had owned multiple Linn products over the years, explaining that "music has always been profoundly important to me." He continued:
"So you can imagine, I think the first consequential music player that I designed was the first iPod, and that began a journey of multiple generations of iPod, and multiple AirPods and music accessories. I feel really fortunate to have gone the full circle... so many years on from my first visit to the factory."
Ive describes the LP12-50 as "a very gentle and modest project for us that was really motivated by our love and respect for Linn." Indeed, according to Fast Company, LoveFrom completed the work pro bono, and has no contract or other financial arrangement with the company.
"There's a substantial percentage of our work which we do purely for the love of doing it," Ive told the website, which noted that the design firm relies on its longer-term contracts with the likes of Airbnb and Ferrari to make money.
Since leaving Apple to found LoveFrom, Ive and fellow designer Marc Newson have designed a typeface, an emblem for the coronation of King Charles III, and a red clown nose for British charity Comic Relief.
Apple said in 2019 that Ive would continue to be involved in design at Apple and that it would be one of LoveFrom's primary clients. For example, Ive was reportedly involved in the creation of the 2021 iMac. It's unknown whether LoveFrom has worked with Apple since, and the design firm tends to keep a low profile.
When Apple unveiled the Vision Pro at WWDC in June, members of the press invited to try out the headset were able to use an optional secondary head strap that sits across the top of the head. The strap was spotted in Apple's promotional videos for the mixed reality device, but its marketing material made no mention of the accessory.
Still from Apple's WWDC keynote video showing over-the-head strap in use
The braided headband that goes around the back of the head has a fit adjustment dial, but the one headband may not be comfortable or secure enough for some users, especially if the device is going to be worn for extended periods of time, which is where the secondary over-the-head strap comes in.
But Apple has apparently not yet fine-tuned the secondary head strap. According to a new report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the secondary strap was introduced after testing determined that some people with smaller body sizes and heads struggle to wear the headset for more than half an hour or thereabouts. However, the design of the strap has "yet to be finalized," says Gurman.
One member of the press who got to try the headset in person at Apple Park was MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera. "A lot of people probably didn't know this just by looking at some press images, but there is another band that goes over the top of your head," said Dan in his initial impressions video.
In his opinion, with the additional strap attached, the Vision Pro is "not that far off from other headsets in terms of weight," but it does "a really good job of dispersing that weight" and making it not so front-heavy. "I do think most people will want to use it," he added.
Apple has not revealed the weight of the Vision Pro, but Apple's decision to offload the battery to an external pack highlights the need to keep the headset as light as possible. Apple is also apparently aware that some customers may not wear clothes with pockets capable of storing the battery pack, so it is considering asking accessory makers to create shoulder-worn pouches.
Other accessories could eventually be sold to protect the device, according to Gurman:
The company has found that the front of the headset could be prone to scratches, but it will likely outsource screen protectors to third-party makers as it does with its other products. Another concern: the front glass cracking if a user walks into a wall or an object. To help prevent such incidents, Apple has built in alerts to deter people from wearing the device while walking at certain speeds.
Gurman's latest report also reveals that Apple plans to launch the Vision Pro headset in the U.K. and Canada by the end of 2024, with preparations for the device's complex retail launch in the U.S. early next year already at an advanced stage.
Apple's Vision Pro is set to launch in the United States early next year, and Apple is discussing the United Kingdom and Canada as two of the first international markets to get the mixed reality headset by the end of 2024, although "a final decision hasn't been made," according to sources cited by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In his latest report, Gurman says Apple is looking at bringing the Vision Pro to Europe and Asia soon after, with Apple engineers working to localize the device for France, Germany, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea.
Apple will also sell the Vision Pro through its U.S. online store in early 2024 before expanding online elsewhere, according to the report.
Apple is said to be already preparing the retail launch of its Vision Pro headset in the U.S., with plans in place for special areas in stores where customers can become accustomed to the new $3,500 device. Most stores are initially expected to have only one to two demo units due to limited supply and the high cost of the devices, and Apple is expected to stock head bands and light seals in multiple different sizes. From the report:
The company will designate special areas in the stores with seating, headset demo units and tools to size accessories for buyers. While the device will be sold at all of Apple’s roughly 270 US locations, the company is planning the sections for the Vision Pro initially at stores in major areas — such as New York and Los Angeles — before rolling them out nationwide, according to people with knowledge of the plans.
According to Gurman, Apple will ask in-store buyers to make an appointment to purchase the Vision Pro, similar to the strategy it used for the Apple Watch in 2015. During the appointment, staff will ensure the device is the correct fit for them, and users will be asked in advance for any ophthalmic prescriptions via an online portal so that the right lens inserts can be made available.
Apple is also said to be developing an iPhone app that scans a person's head, in addition to a physical machine that will calculate similar measurements. Online purchasers will also be asked to upload any eye prescription data and use the face scan app to work out the right accessory sizing, reports Gurman.
Apple does not anticipate partnering with third-party resellers to offer the Vision Pro until at least 2025, due to the complex supply chain logistics and staff training involved in handling the device and advising customers, adds the report.
Apple has shared a new action-packed film called "Huracán Ramírez vs. La Piñata Enchilada" on its YouTube channel as part of its Shot on iPhone series. The 13-minute video, filmed by acclaimed director couple Tania Verduzco and Adrián Pérez, also known as "Los Pérez," was shot entirely on the iPhone 14 Pro with the use of additional accessories and software.
The film retells the fortunes of Lucha Libre legend Huracán Ramírez, who is forced to come out of wrestling retirement to defeat an evil piñata that is terrorizing all of Mexico. The monster is unwittingly created by a boy when he uses extra spicy chili powder as a replacement for sugar during the piñata-making process, bringing chaos to the country.
In addition, Apple has shared a video titled "The making of Huracán Ramírez vs. La Piñata Enchilada" to its YouTube channel, showing how Los Pérez set out to modernize the Mexican wrestler movie genre using iPhone 14 Pro.
Apple has partnered with film directors in the past to showcase the capabilities of its smartphones in professional film settings. The iPhone 14 Pro models feature a 48-megapixel Wide lens and offer a new Action Mode with smooth-looking video that ignores shaking, motion, and vibrations.
At this point though, customers interested in purchasing an iPhone 14 Pro should consider waiting for the iPhone 15 Pro, which is expected to launch in September. Various camera improvements are expected for the next iPhones, including an improved sensor from Sony and a periscope lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max that will enable up to 5-6x optical zoom.
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