MacRumors

Apple is preparing to unveil its AR/VR "mixed" reality headset at WWDC in June, and the company is working to create appealing app experiences to encourage people to adopt the device. Apple is working on dedicated sports, gaming, wellness, and collaboration apps for the device, reports Bloomberg.

Apple is planning to adapt iPad apps for the headset, and users will be able to access existing App Store content through the 3D interface of the device. Apple-designed apps such as Safari, Calendar, Contacts, Home, Files, Messages, Notes, Photos, Music, Reminders, and other built-in apps will be optimized for the device. Multiple apps will be able to be run at one time, and there will be a geolocation aspect for swapping between apps when the user is in different rooms.

A Fitness+ app will allow users to exercise while watching the Fitness+ instructor in a virtual reality setting, and there will be a Health app for guiding users through meditations with graphics, sounds, and voice-overs. With Apple's deeper push into sports, there will be a focus on immersive viewing experiences for MLB and MLS content, plus there will be a dedicated TV app for watching videos in virtual reality environments.

There is a dedicated FaceTime experience that will use Memoji-like avatars and virtual meeting rooms, and Apple is designing a Books app for reading in virtual reality. A Camera app will be able to take images from the headset's cameras, and a version of Freeform will be adapted to a 3D interface for working on collaborative projects with others.

Apple has been working with a select number of gaming developers to help them update their existing content for mixed reality, and Apple will also have a robust set of tools available for creating AR/VR experiences.

The AR/VR headset is expected to be priced at around $3,000, and Apple is not planning for it to sell well to begin with. In fact, the company is expecting sales of approximately one million units in the first year, which is low for an Apple device.

Apple employees have expressed concerns about the usefulness of the headset given its price point. Some have questioned whether the device is a is a "solution in search of a problem" and not "driven by the same clarity" as other Apple devices.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in early April that the AR/VR headset is the "last hope" for persuading investors that AR/VR devices will become the "next star product in consumer electronics." Other devices from companies like Meta have lacked appealing software, and this is a major hurdle that Apple will need to overcome.

To get people to purchase the mixed reality headset, Apple will need to convince users that the software experiences are worth it. That will require compelling first-party experiences as well as innovative third-party apps from developers.

The upcoming watchOS 10 software update for the Apple Watch will feature a new Home Screen layout, according to information shared today by anonymous Twitter account @analyst941. Apple is expected to announce watchOS 10 at WWDC on June 5.

The source claimed the new layout would be easier to navigate and have more iOS-like aspects, including folders for apps. However, they are unsure if the new layout would be enabled by default or available as a secondary option. The source did not share any additional information, but said they will provide more details soon.

In his newsletter last weekend, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said watchOS 10 will be the Apple Watch's biggest software update since 2015. Notably, he said one of the planned enhancements for the Apple Watch is an "updated interface," which would align with a redesigned Home Screen. Apple Watch apps have been organized in a honeycomb grid since the device launched in 2015, with a scrollable list view also available.

The anonymous source behind this rumor leaked accurate information about the iPhone 14 Pro's Dynamic Island on the MacRumors Forums before the device was announced last year. However, they do not have a long-term track record with rumors yet, so there is no guarantee the latest information they shared will prove to be accurate.

While the iPhone currently maxes out at 3x optical zoom, rumors suggest that will change this year. The next-generation iPhone 15 Pro Max is widely expected to feature a so-called "periscope lens" that would allow for up to double the optical zoom.

In July 2022, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said a periscope lens would be exclusive to the high-end iPhone 15 Pro Max and enable 5-6x optical zoom. Periscope technology would be built into the Telephoto lens and allow for up to 6x zoom when shooting photos with the rear camera, without any blurriness or reduction in image quality.

With a periscope lens, light absorbed by the image sensor is bent or "folded," allowing for a greater distance between the camera elements within the compact design of a smartphone. This technology allows for increased optical zoom and is already used by some Android brands like Samsung, Google, and Huawei, with phones like the Pixel 7 Pro and Galaxy S23 Ultra offering between 5x and 10x optical zoom.

5-6x optical zoom would be a significant camera upgrade for the iPhone. Following the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Kuo said the periscope lens would remain limited to the iPhone 16 Pro Max next year, meaning that the technology would only be available on the most expensive iPhone model for at least the next two generations of devices.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 15 lineup in September. For more details, read our guide about iPhone periscope lens rumors.

Update: We have confirmed that Kuo still expects the iPhone 15 Pro Max to have around 5x optical zoom, as he first predicted in July 2022.

The Sound Recognition feature that is built into the latest version of the HomePod and the HomePod mini is now able to detect the beeping of a smoke alarm, sending you an alert if there is an emergency situation.

Announced when the new ‌HomePod‌ debuted in January, the Sound Recognition option is available as of today, according to TechCrunch. It can detect both activated smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, sending a notification to an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.

If you're at home, you're going to hear a smoke alarm go off, but if you're away, it is a useful feature to ensure that you're alerted as soon as possible when smoke or carbon monoxide is detected. Some smoke detectors are smart and are able to send alerts, but for those who have standard hardware, the ‌HomePod‌ offers peace of mind.

Smoke alarm Sound Recognition can be set up using the Home app on an Apple device. HomeKit setups that incorporate a camera will be able to send a video along with the alert so that you can see at a glance what might be wrong and react accordingly.

Sound Recognition is done through the ‌HomePod‌ or ‌HomePod mini‌ and the alert is sent from device to device, with no involvement of Apple's cloud servers.

Apple is working on an updated 24-inch iMac and an all-new "Pro" ‌iMac‌ ahead of an approximate launch time frame at the end of this year, according to key reports from over the past year.

In mid-2022, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggested that Apple is working on at least two ‌iMac‌ models, likely using the "M3" series of chips. He said that Apple will likely launch an updated 24-inch ‌iMac‌ featuring the standard M3 chip in 2023 and is continuing work on a high-end ‌iMac‌ model:

I also still believe that Apple is working on a larger-screened iMac aimed at the professional market. I'd imagine this will use a variation of the M3 chip, likely an M3 Pro and M3 Max. That would match the chips inside of the MacBook Pro. I don't think the combination of a Mac Studio or Mac mini plus an Apple Studio Display cuts it for many pro users who want more screen real estate.

Apple discontinued the iMac Pro in March 2021 and it discontinued the 27-inch Intel-based version of the ‌iMac‌ in March 2022, leaving the 24-inch ‌iMac‌ with the M1 chip as the only remaining ‌iMac‌ model. For now, Apple has effectively replaced the 27-inch ‌iMac‌ with the Mac Studio and its matching Studio Display.

While some reports claim that there is no high-end iMac in development, several high-profile sources believe that a more powerful, larger ‌iMac‌ is still in the works. Display Supply Chain Consultants analyst Ross Young has said since 2021 that Apple is working on an ‌iMac‌ with a 27-inch mini-LED display with ProMotion, which would seemingly line up with a future "‌iMac‌ Pro" model in terms of feature-set. Likewise, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that a new, 27-inch ‌iMac‌ Pro model will launch in 2023 alongside a new Mac Pro.

Rumors about a new ‌iMac‌ Pro have faded in recent months, but the updated 24-inch model still seems to be on track to launch at the end of this year or early next year. Last month, Gurman said that the next-generation ‌iMac‌ had reached an "advanced stage of development," adding that it likely "won't arrive until the tail end of this year at the earliest or next year" because it contains the M3 chip – which also has yet to launch.

The M3 family of chips are expected to be built on TSMC's 3nm technology, unlike the ‌M1‌ and M2, which are built using a 5nm process. The more advanced manufacturing process is expected to bring significant performance and efficiency improvements. Apple chip supplier TSMC is expected to begin commercial production of ‌3nm‌ chips in the second-half of this year, meaning that the first Macs with the M3 chip would likely only be able to launch around the third quarter of 2023 at the earliest.

Little is known about the specifics of the two machines, but a larger, ~27-inch mini-LED display with ProMotion, M3 Pro and ‌M3‌ Max chip options, and a slew of ports brought over from the MacBook Pro are the most likely prospective features for the ‌‌iMac‌‌ Pro. Given the fact that the 24-inch ‌iMac‌ was a fully redesigned machine upon its debut in 2021, major changes beyond the M3 chip may be less likely, but a refreshed selection of color options seems highly probable.

Whether an ‌iMac‌ with a larger display and a more powerful chip aimed at the professional market will emerge this year is yet to be seen and only the 24-inch model is currently rumored to be in an advanced stage of development. At minimum, Apple seems firmly poised to launch the new 24-inch ‌iMac‌ with the M3 chip later this year, but a new ‌iMac‌ Pro is still very much on the table, especially going into 2024.

Today we're tracking a trio of accessory sales offered by ZAGG, Hyper, and Belkin. These sales offer a variety of discounts on portable batteries, USB-C accessories, wireless chargers, and much more.

ZAGG

ZAGG's Tax Day sale is offering 25 percent off up to three products sitewide, excluding already-discounted items. You don't need a coupon code for this one, as all sale prices will be reflected once you add them to your cart.

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.

Since this sale is for Tax Day, it will end later tonight at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time. In regards to Mophie products, this includes wireless chargers, power banks, and battery cases.

There are a variety of power banks on sale at Mophie, including the Snap+ Juice Pack Mini, which is compatible with MagSafe and is down to $37.46, from $49.95. There are regular portable batteries as well, including the Powerstation XXL ($44.96), Snap+ Powerstation Stand ($52.46), and more.

For higher-priced items, you can save big on Mophie's 3-in-1 Travel Charger with MagSafe, priced at $112.46, down from $149.95. There's also the Powerstation Pro at the same price of $112.46, down from $149.95.

Hyper

Hyper's sale includes a collection of USB-C hubs and other accessories at 50 percent off with the code SPRING50 at checkout. This steep discount makes a few of Hyper's higher-priced accessories more affordable at some of the lowest prices we've ever seen.

Below we've rounded up a few examples of the best deals going on during this event. You can visit Hyper's landing page for the Spring Sale and use the code SPRING50 at checkout on any accessory to get a full 50 percent off these items.

• PRO 8-in-2 USB-C Hub - $60.00, down from $119.99
• HyperDrive NET 6-in-2 USB-C Hub - $50.00, down from $99.99
• Ultimate 11-in-1 USB-C Hub - $65.00, down from $129.99
• Slim 8-in-1 USB-C Hub - $45.00, down from $89.99
• 4K Multi-Display Docking Station for 13"-16" MacBooks - $150.00, down from $299.99

Belkin

Belkin is celebrating its 40th birthday this week, and to kick off the event it has up to 40 percent off select products on its website. You'll find wireless chargers, docks, earbuds, wall chargers, screen protectors, power banks, and more on sale during this event.

Belkin's sale does require codes, but they will change for each product. You can find each code under the regular price of the accessory on their page, and enter the code at checkout to see the discounted price.

Shoppers should also note that not every product on the sale page has a compatible code. If you're interested in an item, be sure to check under its regular price on its product page to double check whether it's seeing a discount at up to 40 percent off.

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

Google today announced it will begin rolling out Matter support for the Nest Thermostat model released in 2020. Notably, this means the smart thermostat can now be controlled with Apple's Home app and Siri on the iPhone and other devices.

In a blog post, Google said Matter support will be rolling out to the Nest Thermostat with an automatic over-the-air software update starting today, and the rollout will be completed over the next few weeks. Matter is a universal smart home standard that supports Apple's HomeKit, Google's Home, Amazon's Alexa, Samsung's SmartThings, and other smart home platforms all in one, meaning the Nest finally supports HomeKit.

In the Home app, users can adjust the Nest Thermostat's temperature, change the thermostat's mode, and more, according to Google. The Verge notes that iPhone users will need to be updated to iOS 16.4 or later in order to take advantage of this functionality.

Google is "exploring" adding Matter support to older Nest thermostats, according to The Verge, but they remain incompatible with HomeKit for now.

WhatsApp, Signal, and other messaging services have penned an open letter to the British government appealing for it to urgently rethink the Online Safety Bill (OSB), a piece of legislation that would allow regulators to ask the platforms to monitor users in order to identify child abuse images.

Under the bill, the government could force chat services to apply content moderation policies such as client-side scanning that are impossible to implement without circumventing end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the user and the person they are communicating with can read or listen to what is sent.

"Around the world, businesses, individuals and governments face persistent threats from online fraud, scams and data theft," reads the letter. "Malicious actors and hostile states routinely challenge the security of our critical infrastructure. End-to-end encryption is one of the strongest possible defenses against these threats, and as vital institutions become ever more dependent on internet technologies to conduct core operations, the stakes have never been higher.

As currently drafted, the Bill could break end-to-end encryption, opening the door to routine, general and indiscriminate surveillance of personal messages of friends, family members, employees, executives, journalists, human rights activists and even politicians themselves, which would fundamentally undermine everyone's ability to communicate securely.

The Bill provides no explicit protection for encryption, and if implemented as written, could empower OFCOM to try to force the proactive scanning of private messages on end-to-end encrypted communication services - nullifying the purpose of end-to-end encryption as a result and compromising the privacy of all users.

In short, the Bill poses an unprecedented threat to the privacy, safety and security of every U.K. citizen and the people with whom they communicate around the world, while emboldening hostile governments who may seek to draft copy-cat laws.

The open letter is signed by Element chief executive Matthew Hodgson, Oxen Privacy Tech Foundation and Session director Alex Linton, Signal president Meredith Whittaker, Threema chief executive Martin Blatter, Viber chief executive Ofir Eyal, head of WhatsApp Will Cathcart, and Wire chief technical officer Alan Duric.

Last year, Apple abandoned similar controversial plans to detect known Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) stored in iCloud Photos. Apple planned to report iCloud accounts with known CSAM image hashes to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a non-profit organization that works in collaboration with U.S. law enforcement agencies.

The plans were criticized by a wide range of individuals and organizations, and Apple ultimately dropped the proposal. "Children can be protected without companies combing through personal data," said Apple at the time. "We will continue working with governments, child advocates, and other companies to help protect young people, preserve their right to privacy, and make the internet a safer place for children and for us all.

Under the U.K. bill, if a messaging service refused to apply the content moderation policies, it could face fines of up to 4 percent of its annual turnover. WhatsApp, Signal, and Proton have already stated that they would halt their encrypted services in the U.K. and pull out of the market if the bill required them to scan user content.

The U.K. government's Online Safety Bill is expected to return to parliament this summer.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Apple CEO Tim Cook today officially inaugurated the company's first retail store in India, opening its doors, welcoming the first customers, and posing for selfies outside Apple BKC.

The new flagship store is situated in the country's financial capital of Mumbai, located in a high-end shopping mall at Bandra-Kurla Complex – hence 'BKC' in the title – in the city's main business district. Apple says it is one of the most energy-efficient Apple Store locations in the world, with a dedicated solar array and zero reliance on fossil fuels for store operations. The store is operationally carbon neutral, running on 100% renewable energy.

The store opening is the culmination of sustained efforts by Apple to meet regulators' demands, which included making some of its products locally. Apple is set to open another store in the capital New Delhi on Thursday, and Cook is scheduled to attend. Cook is also expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit. It is the Apple CEO's first trip to India in seven years.

Until now, Apple products have been sold in India either online or through Apple's regional website or through a network of resellers. Beyond bringing Apple branding cachet, the physical stores will offer a premium buying experience in a country where the premium smartphone market is relatively untapped. Only about 4% of India's nearly 700 million smartphone users have iPhones, with the majority owning low-cost Android phones.

Apple's sales in India hit a new high of almost $6 billion in the year through March. Revenue in India grew by nearly 50%, from $4.1 billion a year earlier, according to a source with knowledge of the matter cited by Bloomberg.

Apple has been working to build out a manufacturing supply chain in India, which is home to the world's second biggest smartphone market. In an indication of the country's perceived importance as a production hub, Apple shifted iPhone 14 assembly from China to India in the weeks following its release.

Apple's 8-Core GPU, 256GB M1 iMac has hit a new all-time low price today on Amazon, available for $1,199.99 in multiple colors, down from $1,499.00. At $299 off, this is the steepest discount we've ever seen on this M1 iMac, and only Amazon has the sale.

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.

Colors available at this price include Purple, Pink, Orange, and Yellow. Amazon is providing an April 19 - April 23 delivery estimate for most orders placed in the United States.

There are a few other 24-inch iMacs on sale today on Amazon, including the 7-Core GPU, 256GB model for $1,099.99, down from $1,299.00. Lastly, the 8-Core GPU, 512GB M1 iMac is on sale for $1,499.99, down from $1,699.00.

Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.

The standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will be equipped with frosted back glass like existing Pro models, according to a Weibo post last week from the same account that accurately leaked that iPhone 14 models would be launching in Yellow.

With frosted glass, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus would look more similar to the Pro models. However, only the iPhone 15 Pro models are rumored to be getting a new titanium frame and even thinner bezels around the display, whereas the standard models are still expected to have an aluminum frame and the same bezel size.

The rear glass panel on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus is officially removable for the first time since the iPhone 4S, making internal repairs easier. It's unlikely that a switch to frosted glass would impact this design aspect.

It's common for features and design elements that are initially exclusive to Pro models to trickle down to the lower-end iPhone models over the years. For example, OLED displays were only available on the Pro models until the iPhone 12 lineup, while the Dynamic Island is expected to be expanded to the entire iPhone 15 lineup this year.

While the source of this rumor accurately leaked that the iPhone 14 would launch in Yellow a few months in advance, they do not have a long-term established track record, so there is no guarantee that their latest information will prove to be correct. Nevertheless, the source's accuracy in the past makes this rumor worth sharing.

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 15 lineup in September as usual.

It's been a few months since we last saw an all-time low price for Apple's 512GB 14-inch MacBook Pro, but today B&H Photo has brought back this deal. Specifically, you can get the 10-Core M2 Pro, 512GB 14-inch MacBook Pro for $1,799.00, down from $1,999.00.

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

At $200 off, this is the best price we've ever tracked on the 2023 14-inch MacBook Pro. So far this year, we haven't seen any retailer other than B&H Photo hit this record low price on this model of the 14-inch MacBook Pro.

Right now, B&H Photo only has stock on the Space Gray model, but you can get the deal on the Silver color if you are okay waiting the two-to-four week delivery estimate. Amazon has the Silver color at this price, but delivery has slipped into mid May.

Other than the entry-level 512GB 14-inch model of the new MacBook Pro, there are a few other solid discounts across Amazon and B&H Photo on other versions of the computer. With these deals listed below, you can save up to $250 on higher-end models, including the 16-inch size of the notebook.

• 14-inch 12-Core M2 Pro, 1TB - $2,249.00, down from $2,499.00 [B&H]
• 14-inch 12-Core M2 Max, 1TB - $2,899.00, down from $3,099.00 [Amazon / B&H]
• 16-inch 12-Core M2 Pro, 1TB - $2,549.00, down from $2,699.00 [Amazon / B&H]
• 16-inch 12-Core M2 Max, 1TB - $3,299.00, down from $3,499.00 [Amazon / B&H]

Apple updated the MacBook Pro line in January 2023 with the new 14-inch and 16-inch models. This included next-generation M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, increased maximum memory, longer battery life, HDMI 2.1 with 8K display support, faster Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 support.

You can find the best monthly deals on all new MacBook Pro and MacBook Air notebooks in our new "Best Deals" guide. Be sure to visit the guide and bookmark it if you're on the hunt for a new Apple notebook; we'll be updating it weekly as we discover new MacBook offers across the web.

Apple today announced that the long-awaited Apple Card Savings feature is available starting today with an initial APY of 4.15%. The savings account has no fees, no minimum deposits, and no minimum balance requirements.

The feature allows Apple Card users to open a high-yield savings account from Goldman Sachs in the Wallet app on their iPhone and start earning interest on their Daily Cash balance. Users can also earn interest on personal funds deposited into the savings account through a linked bank account, or from their Apple Cash balance.

To open a savings account in the Wallet app, users will tap on the Apple Card, tap on the circle with three dots at the top of the screen, tap Daily Cash, and select Set Up Savings. Once the account is set up, all Daily Cash received from that point on will be automatically deposited into it and start earning interest. If they prefer, users can choose to have Daily Cash added to their Apple Cash balance instead at any time.

Apple Card Savings allows a maximum balance of $250,000, and balances are fully insured by the FDIC. To access funds stored in the account, users can transfer money to their Apple Cash balance or to a linked external bank account, a process that Apple says can take 1-3 business days to be completed. There are no fees for withdrawals.

Apple Card Savings requires an iPhone with iOS 16.4 or later and is available to U.S. residents who are 18 years of age or older. Apple has published a support document with additional information about the feature.

Earlier this month we tracked new all-time low prices on a few models of Apple's M2 Mac mini, and now Amazon has expanded its discounts to include the Mac mini with the M2 Pro chip. You can get the 512GB M2 Pro Mac mini for $1,099.99, down from $1,299.00.

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.

Amazon estimates a delivery between April 21 and April 25 as of writing, and with this $199 markdown it's now the best price we've ever seen on the M2 Pro model of the 2023 Mac mini. As of now, only Amazon has this record low price.

Moving to the 256GB M2 Mac mini, you can get this model for $499.99, down from $599.00. This is still the best price we've ever tracked for this version of the computer, and delivery dates have now slipped into early May.

Additionally, the 512GB M2 Mac mini has dropped to $689.99, down from $799.00 on Amazon. This is another best-ever price for the new Mac mini, and delivery dates are available for early May as of writing.

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

Apple in iOS 17 will for the first time allow iPhone users to download apps hosted outside of its official App Store, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Otherwise known as sideloading, the change would allow customers to download apps without needing to use the App Store, which would mean developers wouldn't need to pay Apple's 15 to 30 percent fees.

The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which went into effect on November 1, 2022, requires "gatekeeper" companies to open up their services and platforms to other companies and developers.

The DMA will have a big impact on Apple's platforms, and it could result in Apple making major changes to the ‌App Store‌, Messages, FaceTime, Siri, and more. Apple is planning to implement sideloading support to comply with the new European regulations by next year, according to Gurman.

Apple has claimed that sideloading will "undermine the privacy and security protections" that iPhone users rely on, leaving people vulnerable to malware, scams, data tracking, and other issues. However, Apple must comply with the DMA or it risks fines of as much as 20 percent of its global revenue if the EU laws are violated.

In a December 2022 report Gurman said Apple was considering implementing security requirements such as verification, a process that it could charge a fee for in lieu of collecting money from app sales. Apple has a verification system on Mac that allows users to be safe while giving them access to apps outside of the Mac App Store.

If other countries introduce similar legislation, alternate app stores could expand beyond the European Union. The United States, for example, is considering legislation that would require Apple to allow sideloading.

Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models will introduce a new button press combination to power off and force restart the devices, according to an anonymous source who claims to be privy to details about the smartphones ahead of launch.

On newer iPhone models such as the iPhone 14, users currently power off their device by simultaneously pressing the Side button and either volume buttons, while the same buttons are used in another combination to perform a hard reset.

However, with the mute switch expected to be dropped in favor of a potentially customizable "Action" button, this latter new button will take on the role of the volume buttons when powering off/resetting the iPhone 15 Pro models, according to the leaker who goes by the Twitter alias @analyst941.

"The volume up and power button will no longer be used to power off the device, or 'force-restart' it," claimed the leaker in a tweet. "The sequence remains, but the combination will be changed to action and power button."

In a follow-up tweet, the leaker also claimed that the "Action" button will replace the volume up button for taking photos in the Camera app, with force-sensitivity enabling a light press to auto-focus the camera, a hard press to take a picture, and a hard/long press to record video.

At this point, it's important to take the second claim about Force Touch sensitive functions with a pinch of salt. Several other sources have indicated that Apple has encountered technical issues with capacitive buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro models and will now delay them for a later version of the iPhone. For what it's worth, @analyst941, who has been the source of previously accurate pre-launch information, disputes this claim and believes they are still coming to the iPhone 15 Pro.

A unified volume button was also a design planned for solid-state technology, but Apple is said to be opting to stick with the current design now that solid-state buttons have been delayed.

For more on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, we have a dedicated iPhone 15 Pro roundup that aggregates everything we've heard so far, and we also have a separate iPhone 15 roundup that gives a better idea of the differences between the Pro and non-Pro models.

Apple is set to benefit from new OLED panel etching technology being developed by LG that will allow for slimmer devices while lowering production costs, according to Korea's The Elec.

The new hybrid technology reportedly combines rigid OLED glass substrates with flexible OLED thin-film encapsulation (TFE), making the panels thinner than rigid OLED panels. The process also incurs lower production costs than flexible OLED panels because it doesn't require a backlighting layer.

Conventional rigid OLED panels use two glass substrates, but in a hybrid OLED panel the top glass substrate is replaced with TFE. This makes the panel thinner, while the remaining bottom glass substrate is etched even thinner from 0.5mm to 0.2mm.

The resulting "ultra-thin glass" is more vulnerable to breaking while being moved to the next process in the production line, therefore LG is developing a simultaneous etch-and-cut process to mitigate risk.

Reference to the hybrid OLED technology first appeared in an August 2022 report from The Elec, which said Apple could adopt it in iPads by 2024. Today's report suggests that for now LG will only apply the new technology in its Gen 8 OLED line, while its current Gen 6 OLED line will continue to be used to produce iPad models into next year.

According to the report, Samsung began developing the hybrid technology earlier than LG and will deploy it immediately for the OLED iPad panels it will manufacture on its Gen 6 OLED line. The report does not mention which iPad models will be first to benefit, but according to display industry consultant Ross Young, Apple plans to introduce its first 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models with OLED displays in 2024.

watchOS 10 will be the Apple Watch's biggest software update since the initial version of the operating system was released in 2015, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple is expected to announce watchOS 10 alongside iOS 17, macOS 14, and other new software during its annual WWDC keynote on June 5.

In his newsletter today, Gurman said watchOS 10 will be a "major" update with "bigger enhancements," including an "updated interface." He did not provide any additional details, so exact new features and changes remain to be seen.

Gurman said minimal hardware changes are planned for the next Apple Watch models, so watchOS 10 will apparently be a major focus this year.

The first watchOS 10 beta should be made available to Apple Developer Program members very shortly after the WWDC keynote, while the first public beta will likely be released in July for those enrolled in Apple's free Beta Software Program.