Images of fake MagSafe Battery Packs with a USB-C charging port instead of Lightning are being shared on social media sites, potentially hinting at preparations to mirror Apple's release of such an accessory.
The current MagSafe Battery Pack is a widely counterfeited accessory, but most one-to-one replicas available to date feature a Lightning port. The latest series of images, shared across X (formerly Twitter) and Weibo, depict the same one-to-one replicas but with a USB-C charging port.
The entire iPhone 15 lineup is expected to move away from Lightning and feature a USB-C charging port for the first time, and Apple is expected to bring USB-C to other devices and accessories over the next year. It is not clear if Apple plans to release a new version of the MagSafe Battery Pack with a USB-C port, but it is expected to do so with other accessories such as the AirPods Pro's MagSafe Charging Case alongside the release of the iPhone 15 models.
All new Apple accessories will have to follow USB C standards, this means that even older models will be updated. Here is a Usb C model of the MagSafe Battery pic.twitter.com/QrMVJOld5u
On the most recent episode of The MacRumors Show podcast, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple is seeking to move to USB-C across its lineup of accessories by next year, likely including the MagSafe Battery Pack. The transition will apparently be relatively fast, mirroring the transition to the Lightning connector following its introduction in 2012.
"They're going to need to do a new MagSafe Duo with USB-C," Gurman said, and Apple "certainly can update the MagSafe battery pack" to add USB-C. It is not entirely clear if these refreshed accessories will be introduced at its "Wonderlust" event on Tuesday, September 12, but the proliferation of images of fakes could hint that Apple is preparing to launch some of them next week.
In addition, Gurman explained that an all-new MagSafe Battery Pack is in development, but it is not yet ready to be introduced. The next-generation battery pack apparently involves a new concept that allows users to "daisy-chain" multiple battery packs together by stacking them and wirelessly charge multiple devices at the same time. For example, it will be possible to charge two iPhones at the same time, with one placed on either side of the battery pack.
The sixth-generation iPad Air should launch in October as the only iPad refresh of 2023, according to a plausible rumor shared on Chinese social media site Weibo.
"Only the iPad Air series should be updated this year," the post reads, with a subsequent clarification that the product refresh will take place in October, with "no mini and Pro this year." The information comes from an account with a proven track record for disclosing accurate information about Apple's plans.
On the latest episode of The MacRumors Show podcast, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that there is a new iPad Air with improved specifications in the works and the device is apparently "coming soonish," likely in October. The rumor was posted to Weibo prior to Gurman's most recent remarks.
Gurman believes that there will be a further Apple product launch in October, but expressed skepticism that an entire event will take place to introduce new devices. He said that it could be similar to the introduction of the M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro models earlier this year, which were announced via press release and a short video. Gurman claimed that October could see something "along those lines." "I'm not sure they have enough to drag people down to Cupertino to watch the video like they do for this [iPhone 15] launch," he added.
Apple last updated the iPad Air in March 2022 with the M1 chip, an upgraded 12-megapixel front camera with Center Stage support, a faster USB-C port, 5G support on cellular models, and new color options. Pricing starts at $599 in the U.S. for 64GB of storage. It is unclear what new features the next-generation iPad Air will offer, but possibilities include the M2 chip, a Thunderbolt port like the iPad Pro, Apple Pencil hover, and new color options.
The iPhone 15 Pro is expected to feature a new midframe made from Grade 5 titanium, resulting in a substantially lighter device overall. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently said that the iPhone 15 Pro could be up to 10 percent lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro.
MacRumors has obtained the exact dimensions of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the information appears to corroborate Gurman's claims.
iPhone 15 dimensions and weight:
Thickness: 7.8mm
Length: 147.6mm
Width: 71.6mm
Weight: 171 grams
iPhone 14 dimensions and weight:
Thickness: 7.8mm
Length: 146.7mm
Width: 71.5mm
Weight: 172 grams
The base model iPhone 15 could be considered the least different of the lineup, with its dimensions and total weight being similar to that of the iPhone 14. The iPhone 15 will maintain the exact same thickness as last year's model, with negligible changes to the length and width of the device. According to our sources, the iPhone 15 is said to continue to use the exact same chassis material as the iPhone 14 -- 6013 T6 aluminum. With no significant differences in materials and no noteworthy structural changes, it's easy to see why the weight of the standard iPhone 15 is close to that of the iPhone 14.
While the exact dimensions of the iPhone 15 Plus are not apparent at the time of writing, it is safe to assume the size difference between the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 14 Plus is minimal at best. As no major design changes, structural changes, or changes in materials are expected, the iPhone 15 Plus will also likely have a weight similar to that of its predecessor.
iPhone 15 Pro dimensions and weight:
Thickness: 8.25mm
Length: 146.6mm
Width: 70.6mm
Weight: 188 grams
iPhone 14 Pro dimensions and weight:
Thickness: 7.85mm
Length: 147.5mm
Width: 71.5mm
Weight: 206 grams
The iPhone 15 Pro is set to bring improvements in at least one key area -- weight. Compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro will be 18 grams lighter due to the change in materials. Our sources were able to verify that Apple is using Grade 5 Titanium for the iPhone 15 Pro, which represents a notable departure from the stainless steel used on every Pro iPhone thus far. Grade 5 Titanium, also known as Ti-6Al-4V, is a titanium alloy used in a variety of industries and is widely known for its excellent corrosion resistance.
As far as the dimensions are concerned, the iPhone 15 Pro is expected to maintain a form factor similar to its predecessor, with slight differences in the length and width of the device. One noteworthy difference, though, is the thickness of the device. The iPhone 15 Pro features an increased thickness -- 8.25mm compared to 7.85 on the iPhone 14 Pro. The thickness change could be regarded as an interesting choice, considering the company has previously used reduced thickness as a selling point for certain devices. The reduced bezel size of the iPhone 15 Pro display will likely overshadow the increase in thickness, however.
The iPhone 15 Pro is expected to have thinner bezels due to the use of advanced display technology known as LIPO, an acronym for "low-injection pressure over-molding". First mentioned by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, and since independently confirmed by MacRumors, the use of LIPO technology for iPhone 15 Pro displays is expected to reduce the bezel size from the current 2.2mm to approximately 1.55mm.
iPhone 15 Pro Max dimensions and weight:
Thickness: 8.25mm
Length: 159.9mm
Width: 76.7mm
Weight: 221 grams
iPhone 14 Pro Max dimensions and weight:
Thickness: 7.85mm
Length: 160.7mm
Width: 77.6mm
Weight: 240 grams
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to feature the same changes as the smaller iPhone 15 Pro, weighing 19 grams less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Because of this, it's safe to assume that the difference in weight is a result of the change in materials, rather than any sort of significant structural changes or design differences compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
It's worth noting that the information presented here is pre-production information, and may not reflect the hardware of mass production units, but it represents our best insight into the dimensions of the iPhone 15 range. According to our sources, the dimensions of the iPhone 15 lineup have remained unchanged throughout development, although slight differences in weight may be possible due to the different hardware configurations Apple tested.
For additional information on what to expect with the iPhone 15 series, check out our dedicated rumor roundup pages for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro.
The calendar has turned to September, and new iPhone season is upon us! Apple will be announcing the iPhone 15 series at an event scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, with a live stream to be available on YouTube and on Apple's website.
Read on below for all the details on what we're expecting (and not expecting) next week, and tune in on Tuesday as MacRumors will be on hand to see what Apple has in store.
What to Expect From Apple's September 12 Event: iPhone 15, Apple Watch Ultra 2, USB-C AirPods and More
Ahead of Tuesday's event we've recapped everything we expect to see on Tuesday, which includes the iPhone 15 lineup, new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models, and more.
The iPhone 15 lineup will be the headliner of the show, with all four models expected to be equipped with a USB-C port and the Dynamic Island, while many additional features have been rumored for the Pro models, including a titanium frame, customizable Action button, A17 Bionic chip, Wi-Fi 6E support, and more.
Everything You Need to Know About the iPhone 15 Camera Specifications
Key camera-related features expected include a stacked camera sensor for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, and a periscope telephoto lens for the iPhone 15 Pro Max that enables up to 6x optical zoom. These camera features will supposedly be the "star of the show" at Apple's event.
Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 to Feature New Heart Rate Monitor, More Accurate Sensors, U2 Chip, and More
While we're not expecting significant design changes for the upcoming Apple Watch models, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says there will be a fair number of under-the-hood changes led by a new S9 chip that will deliver the first real upgrade in that regard since the Apple Watch Series 6.
In addition, there should be some upgrades to the various sensors and other components with a "focus on speed, efficiency, and accuracy." A new "U2" Ultra Wideband chip will enhance location tracking capabilities with an eye toward improvements to the Find My ecosystem.
Apple Stores to Update Overnight After 'Wonderlust' Event in Preparation for iPhone 15 Launch
It's likely that the stores will be rolling out marketing materials for new products announced at the Apple event, including the iPhone 15 series. Other products expected to be unveiled include the Apple Watch Series 9, a new Apple Watch Ultra, and a USB-C AirPods case.
iPhone 15 Pro Models Again Rumored to See $100 Price Increase
The upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models may some price increases compared to the current models, although rumors are unclear on how exactly things will play out.
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives and others believe each will cost $100 more than the current Pro models in the U.S., meaning the iPhone 15 Pro would start at $1,099 and the iPhone 15 Pro Max would start at $1,199.
For example, the first Macs with the M3 chip are not expected to be announced until October. Other rumored products, such as a second-generation HomePod mini and iPad Pro models with OLED displays, are not expected to be released until 2024.
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 planning to refresh many of its accessories to add a USB-C port following the transition away from Lightning on the iPhone 15 lineup, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman told MacRumors.
On the most recent episode of The MacRumors Show podcast, Gurman said that Apple is seeking to move to USB-C across its lineup of accessories by next year, including all of its AirPods models and Mac accessories. The transition will apparently be relatively fast, mirroring the transition to the Lightning connector following its introduction in 2012.
"They're going to need to do a new MagSafe Duo with USB-C," Gurman said, and Apple "certainly can update the MagSafe battery pack" to add USB-C. It is not entirely clear if these refreshed accessories will be introduced at Apple's "Wonderlust" event on Tuesday, September 12.
Gurman also mused that the now-discontinued Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock could be reintroduced with a USB-C port. Although Apple needs to refresh a large selection of its cables and accessories relatively quickly, he is "not expecting any curveballs or any brand new types of accessories" to be announced at the iPhone 15 Apple event.
In addition, Gurman explained that a new MagSafe Battery Pack is in development, but it is likely not yet ready to be introduced. The next-generation battery pack involves a new concept that allows users to "daisy-chain" multiple battery packs together by stacking them and wirelessly charge multiple devices at the same time. For example, it will be possible to charge two iPhones at the same time, with one placed on either side of the battery pack. It will also, of course, feature a USB-C port.
Gurman said that he does not think the new AirPods Pro with a USB-C port on the charging case, due to be announced next week, will be marketed as "third-generation AirPods Pro." The third-generation AirPods Pro will be a more significant update launching next year or early 2025, Gurman claimed. Listen to The MacRumors Show podcast for Gurman's full thoughts and expectations.
Apple may not have enough new products and features to launch to justify holding an event in October, leading it to unveil devices like the next-generation iPad Air via press release, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
On the latest episode of The MacRumors Show podcast, Gurman said that Apple will not introduce any new iPad models at its "Wonderlust" event next week, which is expected to focus on next-generation Apple Watches and iPhones only.
Gurman said that there is a new iPad Air with improved specifications in the works and the device is apparently "coming soonish." He added that "we may get an iPad refresh in October," not including the iPad Pro, which is not expected to be updated until next year.
Gurman believes that there will be a further Apple product launch in October, but expressed skepticism that an entire event will take place to introduce new devices. He said that it could be similar to the introduction of the M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBook Pro models earlier this year, which were announced via press release and a short video. Gurman claimed that October could see something "along those lines." "I'm not sure they have enough to drag people down to Cupertino to watch the video like they do for this [iPhone 15] launch," he added.
Yesterday, analyst Ming-Chi Kuoreported that Apple will not launch new MacBook models with M3 chips before the end of this year. Previously, the introduction of the first MacBooks with the M3 chip were expected to take place at an Apple event in October. Listen to The MacRumors Show podcast for Gurman's full thoughts and expectations.
Apple's iPhone-centric 2023 fall event is set to begin in just a few days. We've been hearing rumors about what we can expect to see for months now, so we have a good idea of what's coming.
Apple will continue with its four-iPhone lineup in 2023, and the standard iPhone 15 models will be available in 6.1 and 6.7-inch sizes, similar to last year. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will look almost identical to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, with one major exception - a USB-C port.
Rather than a Lightning port, the iPhone 15 models will adopt USB-C, which will allow iPhones, iPads, and Macs to share a charger and a charging cable. Apple is making this change due to regulatory changes in Europe that require electronics to have a standardized charging port, but USB-C technology will be implemented worldwide.
Last year's iPhones continued to have a notch, but that's being eliminated with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. Instead, the new iPhones will adopt the Dynamic Island that Apple first used for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, freeing up more display space.
Though the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will get the Dynamic Island, other display technology like the ProMotion refresh rate and always-on display will remain limited to the Pro models. There's one other small design change, which has to do with the glass back. Frosted glass has historically been a feature for the Pro iPhone lineup, but the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to have a frosted glass back instead of a glossy glass back.
Apple is planning new colors for the iPhone 15 lineup, and rumors so far suggest that we will see blue, a coral shade that's a cross between orange and pink, a light greenish yellow color, white, and black. We could see color-matched braided USB-C cables to go along with each new iPhone.
Camera technology will see a significant update with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus adopting a 48-megapixel Main camera with an f/1.6 aperture for higher-resolution images and improved quality in low lighting situations. There will also be a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide camera, but this is the same camera in the iPhone 14 models with no updates.
New Qualcomm 5G modem chips are expected and we could see improved signal, lower latency, and better power efficiency. Apple is developing a new A17 chip for the iPhone 15 Pro models, but the standard iPhone 15 models will get the A16 chip that's currently in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
We have so far heard no rumors of improvements to battery life, WiFi speeds, or RAM for the standard iPhone 15 models, and pricing is expected to remain the same.
Most of the exciting new changes and feature additions this year are coming to the Pro iPhone models rather than the standard iPhone 15 models. As with last year, we are expecting two Pro iPhones, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 15 Pro models are expected to have some minor design updates, with Apple introducing notably thinner, curved bezels and a new titanium material for the chassis. Rather than stainless steel, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will feature titanium in colors that include silver, titanium gray, black, and dark blue. Titanium will have a more matte finish than stainless steel, plus the iPhone 15 Pro models could be 10 percent lighter because titanium weighs less than steel.
While there were rumors of volume button changes that Apple was experimenting with, the volume button update did not pan out and there will be no change there. Apple is, however, expected to swap the mute switch for a mute button that will have multiple functions much like the Action button on the Apple Watch Ultra.
Code in iOS 17 suggests the button will be able to toggle on Silent Mode, activate the Camera, turn on the Flashlight, activate a Shortcut, turn on a Focus mode, launch the Translate app, start a Voice Memo, and more.
Like the iPhone 15 models, the iPhone 15 Pro models will get USB-C, but the Pro models are rumored to support faster USB 3.2 (20Gb/s) or Thunderbolt (40Gb/s) transfer speeds. Some of the iPhone 15 models (likely the Pro models) are rumored to support charging speeds up to 35W.
Apple is making minor improvements to the Wide Angle and Telephoto cameras of both Pro models to boost low-light performance, but the Main 48-megapixel camera isn't expected to see any improvements. The iPhone 15 Pro Max will get the biggest new camera feature, a periscope zoom function for the telephoto lens. Optical zoom right now is limited to 3x, but with periscope technology, Apple is expected to bring that to 5x or 6x zoom.
While the standard iPhone 15 models will use the A16 chip, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be equipped with the A17 chip, built on a new 3-nanometer process. This will be the first chip in several years built on a new node, and it should bring notable performance and efficiency improvements. An increase in battery life is expected.
Apple will use the same 5G Qualcomm chip across its entire iPhone 15 lineup, and there are also rumors of a new "U2" Ultra Wideband chip that will integrate with the Vision Pro headset coming out next year. The Pro models will get Wi-Fi 6E, the newest and fastest Wi-Fi protocol that works with the 6GHz band. Up to 2TB of storage might be available, and the Pro models will have 8GB RAM, up from 6GB in last year's Pro models.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have a rich feature set, and rumors suggest it's going to bring a price increase. Multiple sources have said Apple is planning a price hike, but it's not yet clear how much. The new models could be $100 more expensive, which would see the iPhone 15 Pro starting at $1,099 and the iPhone 15 Pro Max starting at $1,199.
More information on what to expect from the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max can be found in our roundup.
There's a new Apple Watch coming this year, but there's not much to look forward to with this iterative update. We are not expecting any new design changes or new health-related features.
In fact, the refresh will focus on the internals, mainly a new processor. There's going to be a new S9 chip that's built on the A15 technology, and it will be the first notable update to the Apple Watch chip since the Apple Watch Series 6.
Performance will be improved on the Apple Watch Series 9, and we could also see an increase in battery life. The Apple Watch Series 9 is also expected to include an updated optical heart rate sensor and a new "U2" Ultra Wideband chip that will offer better location precision.
There might be a new pinkish color for the aluminum version of the Series 9, and Apple might be planning to introduce a new type of band with woven fabric and a magnetic buckle. There have also been rumors that leather bands are being phased out in favor of more eco-friendly options.
The Apple Watch Ultra is expected to get a refresh in 2023, but we are not expecting new functionality. The device will get the same S9 chip that's coming to the Apple Watch Series 9, the updated Ultra Wideband chip, and the new heart rate sensor, but if any other features are planned, we don't know about them.
One leaker has suggested the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra might be lighter than the first-generation, but it is not yet clear if this is accurate. One change might be a new color option, with rumors pointing toward a black titanium shade.
The AirPods Pro 2 are expected to be updated with a USB-C charging case to replace the current Lightning case, a change that will coincide with the iPhone 15's adoption of a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port.
No other hardware changes will be included, so count on the same AirPods Pro 2 as before but with an updated charging port.
New iPhone Cases
According to multiple sources, Apple doesn't plan to manufacture leather cases for the iPhone 15 lineup, and will instead adopt a more environmentally friendly material.
There is a rumor that the new material will be made of a woven material and will be called "FineWoven," but it is as of yet unclear if that is accurate.
Other Possibilities
With some of the fall events, there are wildcard products that may or may not be refreshed in September, but this year, there's not much we're expecting beyond the iPhone and Apple Watch.
11th-Generation iPad
There have been no rumors about a new low-cost iPad, but Apple has historically refreshed the tablet on an annual basis. It's possible we're going to see an 11th-generation iPad, but not guaranteed.
Possibly Coming Later This Year
The iPhone 15 models and Apple Watch Series 9 may not be the last products we see in 2023. The first M3 Macs could be introduced before the end of the year, with Apple rumored to be planning to introduce an M3 13-inch MacBook Air, M3 13-inch MacBook Pro, and M3 Mac mini. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says M3 Macs are coming this year, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says no M3 Macs will be unveiled until 2024, so it's unclear what might happen.
If new Macs are coming in 2023, Apple could hold an October event or could release the M3 Macs via press release later in the year.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also believes there is a possibility that a new iPad Air will be released in 2023. If so, we could perhaps see it in October.
Not Coming Yet
With the exception of the 11th-generation iPad, no other iPads are getting a refresh in 2023. The iPad Pro and iPad mini are going to get updated, but not until 2024.
Apple's "Wonderlust" event will start at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, September 12. Apple will livestream the event on its website and on YouTube, plus the livestream will be available through the Apple TV app on supported devices.
For those unable to watch the livestream, MacRumors will be providing full event coverage on MacRumors.com and the MacRumorsLive Twitter account, plus we'll have a deeper look into all the announcements later in the week.
Mark is known for his accurate insider knowledge about Apple's plans and he is behind many of the major reports covered here on MacRumors. Earlier today, he published a detailed report outlining his expectations for Apple's "Wonderlust" event, revealing a range of new details about the devices Apple is expected to unveil.
For example, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will apparently feature battery life improvements, increased megapixels for their telephoto and ultra wide cameras, and an all-new U2 chip, while Mark shares some background on the shift to a titanium chassis.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 9 and second-generation Apple Watch Ultra will have a significantly faster processor, more accurate sensors such as a next-generation optical heart rate monitor, new color options, and manufacturing changes like additional recycled materials and 3D printing.
Mark also shares a few tidbits related to Apple's other product plans including an updated iPad Air in the works, new USB-C accessories, and more.
Overall, Apple's "Wonderlust" event is expected to see the unveiling the Apple Watch Series 9, second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, new premium cases that are no longer made of leather, refreshed AirPods Pro with a USB-C MagSafe charging case, and potentially some other new USB-C accessories. The event is set to take place on Tuesday, September 12 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, be sure to catch up with out discussion about Apple's recently announced "Wonderlust" event and some of the latest news about what to expect.
Samsung today kicked off its latest "Discover Samsung" sale, this one described as the first major discount event of the fall season. The sale officially begins Monday, September 11, but Samsung is providing early access to a select few products right now.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
We've highlighted some of the best discounts in the list below, including deals on TVs, computer monitors, earbuds, and soundbars. These are early access deals, but should run the duration of the event, which lasts through September 17.
A highlight of the sale is a discount on the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Smartphone, which Samsung has for $120 off select colors on the 512GB model. You can get it for $1,799.99, down from $1,919.99 in Phantom Black and Icy Blue.
There are more savings in the smartphone category as well, with bigger discounts appearing when you bundle a Samsung smartphone with tablets, smartwatches, and earbuds. You can save $230 on a Galaxy Tab S9, up to $250 on a Galaxy Watch6, and $180 on Galaxy Buds2 Pro when purchased at the same time as any of Samsung's smartphone devices.
Apple's highest-end iPhone this year will be named iPhone 15 Pro Max, instead of iPhone 15 Ultra, according to a report on Friday from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The other devices in the lineup will include the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 15 Pro.
Gurman himself previously reported that Apple has considered Ultra branding for its highest-end iPhone, similar to the Apple Watch Ultra, and it is possible it will be used for the iPhone 16 Ultra with a larger 6.9-inch display next year. For now, however, it appears that Pro Max branding will live on for at least another year.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is rumored to exclusively feature an upgraded telephoto lens with up to 6x optical zoom, compared to a 3x limit on the iPhone 14 Pro models. The device is also expected to feature a titanium frame, customizable Action button, faster A17 Bionic chip, thinner bezels, Wi-Fi 6E support, and more. iPhone 15 Pro Max pricing is rumored to start at $1,199 in the U.S., which would be $100 more than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 15 series at its "Wonderlust" event on Tuesday, September 12 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. Stay tuned for our in-depth coverage of Apple's announcements, including in-person coverage from Steve Jobs Theater.
Apple's iOS 17 update has a handful of new features for the Notes and Reminders app, making them more useful for those who prefer the default Apple apps. There are no major overhauls, but the additions do add to the utility of the apps and are changes that some have wanted for some time.
This guide highlights everything that's new in both the Notes and Reminders apps.
Notes
Linking Notes
It's now possible to link one note to another note, useful for connecting two related notes to one another for Wiki-style documentation.
Inline PDFs and Scanned Documents
The Notes app supports inline PDFs, which means you can insert a PDF into Notes and then read, annotate, and collaborate on PDFs.
This functionality also works for scanned documents, and it is available on both the iPhone and the iPad.
Updated Formatting
Notes has gained an option for creating block quotes, plus there's a new Monostyled format to choose.
Pages
A Note from the iPhone or iPad can be opened up in the Pages app, providing additional layout and formatting options.
Reminders
Grocery Sorting
When you create a list with the new "Groceries" list type, you can input various foods and sundries and have them organized automatically by category. The organization makes it easier to find what you need when you're at the grocery store.
Available category types include Produce, Breads & Cereals, Frozen Foods, Snacks & Candy, Meat, Dairy, Eggs & Cheese, Bakery, Baking Items, Household Items, Personal Care & Health, and Wine, Beer & Spirits.
If the iPhone doesn't recognize where an item should go, it remains uncategorized. It does recognize specific brands and types of food like "Sour Patch Kids," so it is a fairly robust solution for grocery shopping. You can also create your own categories in the grocery list.
Custom Sections
Sections or categories are turned on by default for the Grocery list, but any Reminder list created in iOS 17 can have sections added to it.
In any list, tap on the three dots to get to the options interface. From there, tap on New Section to add a section to the list. You'll need to manually organize items in the list in each section, but it can be done with simple drag and drop gestures.
Column View
In the same options interface, there's a new "View as Columns" option that will show each section in a side-by-side view. You can swap between column and list view in the options menu.
Interactive Widgets
iOS 17 brings interactive widgets to the Lock Screen and the Home Screen, and Reminders is one of the built-in apps that can best take advantage of this feature. Reminders in the Reminders widget can be checked off right from the Home Screen or the Lock Screen without having to open up the Reminders app.
Early Reminders
If you add a reminder with a specific date, you can opt to receive an early reminder to get a warning ahead of time. You can get a notification 1 day before, 2 days before, 1 week before, 2 weeks before, 1 month before, 3 months before, and 6 months before, plus there's also an option to set a custom early reminder time.
For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with GRID Studio to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a 512GB iPhone 15. GRID Studio is known for its Apple-themed works of art that are made from old, discarded Apple electronics that are disassembled so each individual component can be displayed.
Each GRID piece is organized around the chassis of the device, with parts labeled and explanations provided so it's clear what's what. GRID Studio also includes interesting and relevant historical facts for added context.
There are a range different GRID Studio frames that feature iPhones, iPads, and iPods, with prices that start at $40 and go up based on the complexity of the piece.
GRID 1, one of GRID Studio's most popular options, showcases the first iPhone that Apple ever made. Priced at $400, it features all of the components that Apple used for the original iPhone back in 2007. The iPhone's shell is positioned next to the power button, headphone socket, speaker, logic board, ear piece, and other components. GRID does not include the original batteries from the device, but replicas are added so the battery is not missing.
The GRID 4s is another iconic device that's available at a special price to celebrate GRID Studio's 3rd anniversary. Right now, it's just $99, down from the original $170 price tag. The Grid 4s has around 40 components from the iPhone 4s, all of which are neatly arranged and labeled.
This year is the 10th anniversary of the colorful iPhone 5c, so GRID Studio has created the $139 GRID iPhone 5C using the bright blue iPhone 5C from 2013. With its polycarbonate shell, rounded corners, and unique colors, the iPhone 5C stands out from all other iPhones Apple has designed, and it was only sold for a short period before it was replaced.
For those looking for something unique, the $400 GRID iPod U2 features the coveted black and red iPod from 2004. It came preloaded with U2 content, and it is appealing to iPod fans and U2 fans alike. The GRID iPod U2 features the iconic click wheel, the black chassis of the iPod, and quotes from both Bono and Steve Jobs.
Along with deconstructed device art, GRID Studio has also recently gotten into t-shirts, and the $40 rainbow-colored GRID Hello T-Shirt is sure to be a favorite of any Apple fan. The classic hello script is created using tons of different device icons in various colors, so it is both colorful and visually interesting.
From September 8 to September 10, GRID Studio is having a $99 sale on the GRID 4s for its anniversary, plus there's a 15 percent discount available on all other products with promo code T15.
GRID Studio will be providing one lucky MacRumors reader with a 512GB iPhone 15 following Apple's event. 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.
Due to the complexities of international laws regarding giveaways, only U.S. residents who are 18 years or older, UK residents who are 18 years or older, and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory are eligible to enter. All federal, state, provincial, and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. To offer feedback or get more information on the giveaway restrictions, please refer to our Site Feedback section, as that is where discussion of the rules will be redirected.
The contest will run from today (September 8) at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time through 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on September 15. The winner will be chosen randomly on or shortly after September 15 and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond and provide a shipping address before a new winner is chosen.
Apple is unlikely to release any new MacBook models with the M3 chip this year, according to information shared today by supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
"It seems that Apple will not launch new MacBook models (equipped with M3 series processors) before the end of this year," Kuo wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Earlier this year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said an Apple event in October of this year could feature the first Macs with the M3 chip. He said Macs that were candidates for the M3 chip included the 13-inch MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and 24-inch iMac. Kuo only ruled out new MacBooks, so there is still potential for a new iMac this year.
The as-yet-unannounced M3 chip is widely expected to be fabricated with TSMC's 3nm process for significant performance and power efficiency improvements compared to the current 5nm-based M2 chip, which debuted in June 2022.
This week's best deals include steep discounts on 15-inch MacBook Air, 13.6-inch MacBook Air, Mac mini, and AirPods Pro 2. We're also tracking a sale offering new Disney+ subscribers the chance to get the ad-based version of the service for just $1.99/month for three months.
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.
Disney+
What's the deal? Get the Disney+ Basic Plan with ads for $1.99/month for three months
Disney+ is offering new subscribers a chance to save on the Basic Plan (with ads), discounting the service to $1.99 per month for three months. After three months, the service will renew for $7.99 per month unless you cancel. This offer will last through September 20.
Disney is planning a significant price increase to its service next month, so anyone interested might want to lock in an annual subscription at the cheaper price before that happens.
Amazon this week has the new 15-inch MacBook Air for $200 off, with prices starting at $1,099.00 for the 256GB model. All discounts represent record low prices for these models of the MacBook Air.
13.6-Inch MacBook Air
What's the deal? Take up to $200 off 13.6-inch MacBook Air
In another exclusive sale, B&H Photo has the M2 Mac mini (256GB) for $499.00, down from $599.00, which is a match of the all-time low price on this model. You can also get the 512GB M2 Pro model for $150 off right now.
Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains.
The widely-rumored titanium frame on Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will make the devices about 10% lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro models, according to a report today from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max weigh 206 grams and 240 grams, respectively, according to Apple's tech specs for the devices. An approximate 10% weight reduction would result in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max weighing around 185 grams and 216 grams, respectively. This would make the iPhone 15 Pro the lightest Pro model since the iPhone XS, which weighs 177 grams. Likewise, the iPhone 15 Pro Max would be the lightest Max model since the iPhone XS Max, which weighed 208 grams.
Given that Gurman said the weight reduction will be "about" 10%, the exact figures remain to be seen. If the iPhone 15 Pro ends up being 188 grams or heavier, it would instead be the most lightweight Pro model since the iPhone 11 Pro. In any case, it appears that the upcoming Pro models will be the lightest in several generations of devices.
Pro model weights:
iPhone X: 174 grams
iPhone XS: 177 grams
iPhone 11 Pro: 188 grams
iPhone 12 Pro: 189 grams
iPhone 13 Pro: 203 grams
iPhone 14 Pro: 206 grams
iPhone 15 Pro: ~185 grams?
Pro Max model weights:
iPhone XS Max: 208 grams
iPhone 11 Pro Max: 226 grams
iPhone 12 Pro Max: 228 grams
iPhone 13 Pro Max: 238 grams
iPhone 14 Pro Max: 240 grams
iPhone 15 Pro Max: ~216 grams?
Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 15 series at its "Wonderlust" event on Tuesday, September 12 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. Stay tuned for our in-depth coverage of Apple's announcements, including in-person coverage from Steve Jobs Theater.
Woot this week is back with steep discounts on Apple's 2021 M1 iPad Pro, offering record low prices on these tablets in new condition. All tablets in this sale are in new condition and come with a one year Apple warranty.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Woot. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Starting with the 11-inch iPad Pro, Woot is offering these tablets with the Apple Smart Folio in select colors. Prices start at $659.99 (22 percent off) for 128GB Wi-Fi and rise to $849.99 (50 percent off) for 2TB Wi-Fi.
Woot also has multiple 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, and these do not come with the Apple Smart Folio. Prices start at $859.99 (22 percent off) for 128GB Wi-Fi and rise to $949.99 (27 percent off) for 512GB Wi-Fi. As of writing, Woot does not have any 1TB or 2TB versions of the 12.9-inch Wi-Fi iPad Pro in stock.
In addition to Wi-Fi models, Woot also has the cellular versions of the 11-inch and 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro tablets on sale. Woot's sale will last through September 18, although it could end earlier if select tablets sell out, so be sure to browse soon if you're interested.
We haven't tracked discounts on the M1 iPad Pro at other retailers in about a year, given that recent sales have shifted to focus on the M2 models that launched in 2022. These tablets are fairly similar to one another, with the biggest advantages in the 2022 model being the M2 chip's internal upgrades and Apple Pencil hover. You can find out more information on the tablets in our guide.
Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.
Apple plans to bring a USB-C port to the standard AirPods and the AirPods Max as soon as 2024, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In a new article outlining his specific expectations for Apple's "Wonderlust" event, featuring new details about the Apple Watch Series 9, second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Gurman mentioned that the company is apparently working to move all of its Lightning-based accessories to USB-C.
USB-C will come to the AirPods Pro first, with the switch being introduced during Apple's event next week where it is expected to be a key feature of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, followed by the other AirPods models as soon as next year. The new AirPods Pro set to be introduced next week will not offer "any other major new hardware features," Gurman said.
In the long term, Gurman reinforced that Apple is working on bringing health features to its AirPods, including body-temperature sensing and a hearing-test system. These improvements are likely to arrive at some point after the switch to USB-C across the lineup.
The Apple Watch Series 9 and second-generation Apple Watch Ultra will offer several previously undisclosed features, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims.
In a detailed report outlining his full expectations for Apple's "Wonderlust" event, Gurman said that the Apple Watch Series 9 and second-generation Apple Watch Ultra will offer various sensor and component upgrades, with a general "focus on speed, efficiency, and accuracy." These changes will include a new version of Apple's optical heart rate sensor. The Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 8 feature Apple's third-generation optical heart rate sensor.
The new Apple Watches will also feature an all-new "U2" ultra wideband chip, the first generational iteration of the component since the U1 chip's 2019 introduction in the iPhone 11 Pro. The new chip will improve the Apple Watch's location capabilities, allowing people and devices to be tracked more precisely in the Find My App. It is apparently set to come to all of the next versions of Apple's major products, including the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro.
The second-generation Apple Watch Ultra will be manufactured with more recycled materials, as well as come in a black color option for the first time. As previously reported, the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 9 will feature a 3D-printed casing. Apple plans to start manufacturing the Apple Watch Ultra with the technology starting next year.
This year's main Apple Watch upgrade will be a new processor, which has to date effectively not been changed throughout three successive generations of the device. Apple apparently plans to "heavily tout major gains in processing speed" during its "Wonderlust" event.
The new Apple Watch models will otherwise be largely unchanged compared to their predecessors. The company also plans to shift away from some of its leather watch bands, and there are signs that Apple may finally update or discontinue the Link Bracelet introduced alongside the original Apple Watch.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Woot. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
